ABC Radio Perth

{{see also|History of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC Local Radio}}

File:Howden - QSLs - 1087a.jpg simulcast of 6WF on 3 MHz for several years in late 1920s]]

File:ABC Perth gnangarra.JPG

6WF transmitted its first broadcast on the evening of Wednesday 4 June 1924 and in doing so established a number of records. It was the first "high powered" station to commence in Western Australia. It was the last such station to commence using longwave (1250 metres, 240 kHz) being promoted by AWA at the time for its own monopolistic purposes. It was also the last Australian station to commence under the ill-fated Sealed Set scheme established by the Wireless Regulations of 1923.{{cite web | url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C1923L00097 | title=Federal Register of Legislation - Australian Government }}

In a May 1922 broad overview of the status of wireless in Australia, The West Australian highlighted the recent establishment of the USA Department of Agriculture's radio farm service providing weather and market reports to farms, as well as other news of importance to agriculturalists. The philosophy of this service was embodied in the objects of Westralian Farmers' 6WF broadcasting service.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28168663 |title=THE WIRELESS AGE. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XXXVIII |issue=6,262 |location=Western Australia |date=16 May 1922 |accessdate=14 September 2022 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Unlike other Australian states, Western Australia never had a strong amateur broadcasting regime which encouraged the development of the local wireless industry.{{cite web | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58072750 | title=WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK Our Budget of Broadcasting and Listening-In Lyrics— of the Greatest Value to the Seeker after Knowledge RADIOGRAMS | newspaper=Sunday Times | date=27 January 1924 }} Wally Coxon (callsign: 6AG) was broadcasting intermittently from 1921. After his appointment as chief engineer for 6WF in late 1923,{{cite web | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article259109413 | title=Wireless for Western Australia | newspaper=Geraldton Express | date=21 November 1923 }} he transmitted a regular Sunday evening concert to boost sales of the Mulgaphone and establish a future audience for 6WF.{{cite web | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58064294 | title=WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK | newspaper=Sunday Times | date=30 March 1924 }} Coxon was possibly the first to identify the need for a high power station for Perth and WA.{{cite web | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22622991 | title=News and Notes | newspaper=West Australian | date=31 March 1923 }} The only other regular Perth broadcaster at the time was 6BN Bert Stevens transmitting Wednesdays at 8pm, while 6AB Clyde Cecil transmitted at 8 pm on Mondays and Thursdays from Kalgoorlie.{{cite web | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58071785 | title=The Westralian Farmers' Scheme | newspaper=Sunday Times | date=9 March 1924 }} The idea of the Westralian Farmers station was initiated by John Thomson, manager of their Wheat Department, and eventually taken up by Basil Murray. Thomson was appointed General Manager in May 1925.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31858893 |title=WESTRALIAN FARMERS, LTD. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XLI |issue=7,169 |location=Western Australia |date=21 May 1925 |accessdate=5 September 2022 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Westralian Farmers was not the only group interested in the licence for the Perth high powered station. In July 1923, Len Matters, a prominent Perth journalist toured the Eastern States on behalf of a newly formed group West Radio Broadcasting Company Ltd. which was interested in the Perth station as part of a wider Australian network.{{cite web | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22622286 | title=Wireless Telephony | newspaper=West Australian | date=15 August 1923 }} In late August 1923 there was a meeting of Perth electrical traders and wireless importers which was widely attended. The meeting voted to form the Wireless Development Association of WA and to amalgamate with firms interested in a broadcasting licence for Perth.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22632164 |title=WIRELESS BROADCASTING. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XXXIX |issue=6,628 |location=Western Australia |date=22 August 1923 |accessdate=1 September 2022 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}} But as early as late July 1923, Westralian Farmers was publicising its firm intention to establish a broadcasting service focused on serving its client farmers and rural communities, noting the high costs they were already incurring in telegraphing stock and harvest information throughout the state.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207313831 |title=Wireless Telephony. |newspaper=The Moora Herald And Midland Districts Advocate |volume=9 |issue=544 |location=Western Australia |date=26 July 1923 |accessdate=1 September 2022 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} At Westralian Farmers ninth annual meeting in October 1923 it was quietly announced by Basil Murray (managing director) that they had not only been issued WA's first broadcasting licence, but also had signed contracts for the installation of the facility.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31193792 |title=WESTRALIAN FARMERS LTD. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XXXIX |issue=6,673 |location=Western Australia |date=13 October 1923 |accessdate=1 September 2022 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The path to establishment of the station was fraught with difficulties. The chosen transmitter supplier was AWA, which had a wider agenda than the provision of a service to WA. Planning for future economic viability of the station was obscured by industry opposition to sealed sets and likely issue of new wireless regulations.

It was originally owned by Westralian Farmers Ltd, and operated from a studio in the Westralian Farmers building in Perth. The Premier of Western Australia, Philip Collier made a speech on-air to mark the opening of the station.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32461787|title=Some Early History - The Original 6WF|date=8 April 1933|work=The West Australian|access-date=7 January 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.slwa.wa.gov.au/federation/iss/120_comm.htm|title=Communication|work=Western Australia and Federation|publisher=State Library of Western Australia|access-date=7 January 2011}}

The station commenced operation with an input power to the transmitter final stage of 500 watts (about 150 watts under the transmitter power rating scheme applied since 1930). This transmitter was supplied by Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Ltd. and manufactured at their Radio-electric Works. Transmitter installation was oversighted by AWA's Sydney Trim. The station was equipped with a transmitter that was the most powerful allowed under Commonwealth regulations.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} It was intended as a source of "information and entertainment to rural areas". The station's original broadcast footprint covered most of the state of Western Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2005/04/29/1356554.htm|title=The origins of 720|last=Perkins|first=Matthew|date=4 July 2008|work=720 ABC Perth|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=7 January 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/PDF_Files/U-Z%20-%20A-D/Wesfarmers%20Bldg%20(I-AD).PDF|title=Wesfarmers Building (fmr)|date=23 June 2000|work=REGISTER OF HERITAGE PLACES - ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTATION|publisher=Heritage Council of Western Australia|page=1|access-date=7 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312135056/http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/PDF_Files/U-Z%20-%20A-D/Wesfarmers%20Bldg%20(I-AD).PDF|archive-date=12 March 2012|url-status=dead}}

The antenna for the initial 6WF facility was established on the rooftop of the Westralian Farmers building at 569 Wellington Street in the central business district of Perth. The use of a longwave frequency necessitated careful consideration of the antenna design due to the limited rooftop real estate. The antenna was a 4-wire cage inverted "L" type, erected on two steel tube masts 90 ft. high, and 160 ft. apart. The masts were 6in. in diameter at the bottom, tapering to 4in. at the top. The spreader hoops in the antenna were of copper and approximately 70in. in diameter. The lead-in was also of the cage type on one foot ring spreaders. The counterpoise was of 8 parallel wires, spaced about 6 ft. apart and running the full length of the building, about 200 ft. The counterpoise was placed some feet above the iron roof of the building, while both the antenna and counterpoise were connected to 2 copper rods which were led through two large cone-shaped insulators and then to the aerial matching coil in the transmitting room. The antenna-earth connection was made by a large switch installed in the transmitting room.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31890319 |title=ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XLI |issue=7,315 |location=Western Australia |date=7 November 1925 |accessdate=10 September 2022 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}

For the first six months after commencement there were regular announcements that the 5,000 watt transmitter would be commissioned soon.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37625038 |title=Listening In |newspaper=Western Mail |volume=XXXIX |issue=2,007 |location=Western Australia |date=17 July 1924 |accessdate=4 September 2022 |page=30 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58056674 |title=ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1386 |location=Western Australia |date=3 August 1924 |accessdate=4 September 2022 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58058866 |title=WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1392 |location=Western Australia |date=14 September 1924 |accessdate=4 September 2022 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31257666 |title=Westralian Farmers, Ltd. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XL |issue=6,981 |location=Western Australia |date=10 October 1924 |access-date=4 September 2022 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}} It was noted that the initial 500 watt transmitter would serve as the driver stage for the higher power unit. The commissioning of the high power transmitter was not just important for the wider coverage area of the station. Under the Wireless Regulations 1924, an A class station was only entitled to its share of the licence fee once the service was operating at 5000 watts. The Postmaster-General's Department was routinely identifying unlicensed listeners with its team of radio inspectors led by George Scott, but discretion was exercised in not taking legal action. In December 1924 the first prosecution took place and this served to encourage listeners to take out licences and thereby support the Westralian Farmers station.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58259937 |title=Unlicensed Broadcast Listeners |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1407 |location=Western Australia |date=28 December 1924 |access-date=4 September 2022 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}

In June 1925, Wally Coxon's amateur station 6AG was heard carrying 6WF programming on 100 metres shortwave (3 MHz). It was confirmed that this was an initial test, but the objective was not identified.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article84053016 |title=Wireless Tests |newspaper=The Daily News (Perth) |volume=XLIV |issue=15,654 |location=Western Australia |date=26 June 1925 |access-date=6 September 2022 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}} The tests were heard as far afield as Adelaide, SA.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article78443872 |title=Merely Atoms |newspaper=The Daily News |volume=XLIV |issue=15,680 |location=Western Australia |date=27 July 1925 |access-date=7 September 2022 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}} Again in February 1926, 6AG was rebroadcasting 6WF on 40 metres and these tests were heard as far as Colombo.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58235623 |title=WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK Our Budget of Broadcasting and Listening-in Lyrics— Of the Greatest Value to the Seeker after Knowledge |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1465 |location=Western Australia |date=7 February 1926 |accessdate=11 September 2022 |page=7 (Second Section) |via=National Library of Australia}}

The decision to establish 6WF on a longwave (1250 metres, 240 kHz) in 1924 was not taken lightly. Although AWA was heavily promoting longwave to prevent importation of cheap receivers from the USA, 6WF's chief engineer investigated the matter and supported the decision. There are many generic aspects to be considered:

• Receivers covering longwave are more expensive to manufacture as an additional large RF coil(s) is required.
• USA, the powerhouse manufacturer of cheap receivers, did not utilise longwave for broadcasting, therefore very few USA receivers made provision for longwave and could not receive the longwave stations here. Heavy tariffs on receiver imports into Australia have the potential to reduce or eliminate potential cost advantages of imported receivers.
• Daytime propagation is by means of the groundwave mode and on a given path a longwave signal will propagate much further than a mediumwave signal. This aspect had particular significance for 6WF with coverage objectives including the whole of the State of Western Australia.[https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-P.368-9-200702-I/en Ground-wave propagation curves for frequencies between 10 kHz and 30 MHz] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824233616/https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-P.368-9-200702-I/en|date=24 August 2012}}
• Night-time propagation is extended beyond that of the groundwave by means of skywave refractions from the ionosphere.{{cite web | url=https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-P.1147-4-200708-I/en | title=P.1147 : Prediction of sky-wave field strength at frequencies between about 150 and 1 700 KHZ }} Skywave signals do not greatly differ, as between longwave and mediumwave, but the stronger groundwave signal on longwave increases the radius to fading compared to mediumwave.
• The greater wavelength of longwave transmissions preferably requires a proportionally larger antenna system for equal radiation efficiency. This creates greater real estate requirements where the radiation system is located on the ground. Also efficiency is typically limited when available area is less, such as rooftop installation as employed initially by 6WF.
• In a given city where both longwave and mediumwave stations are deployed, the greater frequency range utilised minimises potential for adjacent channel interference and reduces tuning difficulty.
• Static levels are much greater with longwave compared to mediumwave, particularly at night-time and tend to detract from the greater available day-time (groundwave) coverage.{{cite web | url=https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-P.372-16-202208-I/en | title=P.372 : Radio noise }} The impact of higher static levels on longwave can be ameliorated by the use of a shortwave transmitter carrying parallel programming due to the greatly lessened static levels on shortwave.

The PMGD announced amounts paid to the Class A stations to 30 May 1925. Out of a total pool of £113,658 received as broadcasting receiving licence fees, 6WF was allocated only £4,220, compared to 2FC Sydney which received £34,628. Operating expenses would be comparable for both stations, but even after adjustment for 6WF only being entitled to fees since about November 1924 (when 5 kW operation commenced), 6WF was receiving about one quarter of that of 2FC.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article233708581 |title=NEWS AND NOTES |newspaper=The News |volume=II |issue=394 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1925 |accessdate=9 September 2022 |page=11 (SECOND EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}}

In 1929 the radio station was sold to the Australian Broadcasting Company. As a result, the radio station moved from the Westralian Farmers buildings to the ESA Bank building on the corner of Hay and Milligan Streets in Perth. When the Australian Broadcasting Commission was founded in 1932, 6WF became part of the national network.{{cite web|url=http://radio.adelaide.edu.au/intro/history_OZ-radio.pdf|title=The History of Australian Radio|work=Radio Adelaide|publisher=University of Adelaide|access-date=7 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216103513/http://www.radio.adelaide.edu.au/intro/history_OZ-radio.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2011|url-status=dead}} Basil Kirke, from 2BL, was manager under both regimes (July 1929 – May 1936), followed by Con Charlton (May 1936 – August 1947) then Ewart Chapple (September 1947 – December 1953).

Uniquely in Australian broadcasting history, 6WF was owned and operated by the Postmaster General's Department from late 1928 to mid 1929. Due to the Great Depression, 1928 was a time of major economies in Government expenditure and the PMGD being the largest department bore the brunt, with the majority of its capital budget cancelled.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32083265 |title=NEW POSTAL BUILDINGS. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=7,980 |issue=XLIV |location=Western Australia |date=12 January 1928 |accessdate=13 September 2022 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3903506 |title=POSTAL WORKS. |newspaper=The Argus (Melbourne) |issue=25,405 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=13 January 1928 |accessdate=13 September 2022 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}} With no funds to work with PMG Gibson threatened to cancel the licences of the Class A stations who did not improve services and co-ordinate between themselves.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32086372 |title=BROADCASTING SERVICES. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XLIV |issue=7,992 |location=Western Australia |date=26 January 1928 |accessdate=13 September 2022 |page=17 |via=National Library of Australia}} In March 1928, Thomson announced in an interview with a journalist from the Perth Daily News that Westralian Farmers was ready to relinquish its broadcasting interests. It was indicated that negotiations towards a sale to the licensee of 3LO Melbourne was well advanced, though differences of detail remained.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article79228537 |title=TRANSFER OF 6WF |newspaper=The Daily News |volume=XLVII |issue=16,496 |location=Western Australia |date=13 March 1928 |accessdate=11 September 2022 |page=1 (HOME (FINAL) EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} Mann stated under parliamentary privilege that 6WF could not access the best artists for broadcast as they were controlled by the same interests it was now being compelled to merge with.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32098255 |title=BROADCASTING. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XLIV |issue=8,036 |location=Western Australia |date=17 March 1928 |accessdate=12 September 2022 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}

In 1929 the Australian Government accepted the tender for the Australian Broadcasting Company to supply programmes for a three year period to the National Broadcasting System.

It was announced by PMG Green in July 1931 that 6WF was to be relocated outside the Perth central business district and provided with a new transmission system.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article83896605 |title=BROADCASTING CHANGES |newspaper=The Daily News |volume=L |issue=17,536 |location=Western Australia |date=22 July 1931 |accessdate=17 September 2022 |page=6 (HOME (FINAL) EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} In September 1931, Professor Ross was provided with comprehensive technical details of the new 6WF transmission system by the PMGD and his own technical analysis supported its suitability.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32370798 |title=BROADCASTING. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XLVII |issue=9,109 |location=Western Australia |date=4 September 1931 |accessdate=17 September 2022 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}} A site had not yet been determined by the PMGD, but was to be sited such that the field strength of the station would be sufficiently strong to be readily received in the CBD and override anticipated levels of man-made noise, while not so strong as to cause blanketing interference. The antenna was to be of the Alexanderson type, closely similar to those to be deployed at the new ABC stations 2CO Albury (Corowa) and 5CK Port Pirie (Crystal Brook). Transmitter power was to be 3 kW into the antenna, approximately double that of the original Westralian Farmers system. The transmitter was to be capable of 100% modulation and support audio frequencies in the range 50 Hz to 7 kHz. Night-time coverage would remain limited by self-fading. Ross' forecast of a December 1931 completion for the project proved optimistic. For commercial reasons, the site could not be identified prior to acquiring an option to purchase, but a November 1931 rumour that the station would be located on Wanneroo Road, north of Perth proved accurate.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58652736 |title=BROADCASTING |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1766 |location=Western Australia |date=29 November 1931 |accessdate=17 September 2022 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}} PMG Green confirmed in a late December statement that a 12 acre site had been acquired and the project now required approval at the 5 January 1932 cabinet meeting.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32390074 |title=STATION 6WF. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XLVII |issue=9,205 |location=Western Australia |date=26 December 1931 |accessdate=18 September 2022 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}} The PMGD chief engineer John Murray Crawford visited Perth in February 1932 and gave a comprehensive progress report.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82527579 |title=BROADCASTING |newspaper=The Daily News |volume=LI |issue=17,707 |location=Western Australia |date=8 February 1932 |accessdate=17 September 2022 |page=8 (HOME (FINAL) EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} Johns and Waygood Ltd. was the successful tenderer for the supply and construction of the two galvanised steel towers to support the antenna system. The construction commenced 2 April 1932 and was completed early May 1932.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32638869 |title=6WF's New Transmitter. |newspaper=The West Australian |volume=XLVIII |issue=9,319 |location=Western Australia |date=10 May 1932 |accessdate=17 September 2022 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The station moved again in 1937 to the Stirling Institute building located in the Supreme Court Gardens, St Georges Terrace. Despite the fact the building had been built 21 years earlier as a temporary structure it became the home of 6WF for the next 23 years.

In 1960 a specially built 23 studio building complex was completed at 191 Adelaide Terrace and the station moved there during that year. This building was to provide the home for the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra for a number of years, running alongside three separate radio stations.{{Cite episode |title=6WF celebrates 80 years |series=Stateline Western Australia |series-link=Stateline (TV program) |credits=Presenters: Rebecca Carmody, Jonathon Beal |network=ABC Television |airdate=4 June 2004 |transcript=true|transcript-url=http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/wa/content/2004/s1127842.htm}}

These buildings lasted 45 years, until it was decided that new buildings were needed. A site was commissioned and the radio station moved to its new offices and studios in East Perth in March 2005.

The Adelaide Terrace site was sold to property developers in 2008 who have proposed demolishing the structure and erecting residential buildings.{{cite news|url=http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/story/1/81217/Plans-to-demolish-old-ABC-building|title=Plans to demolish old ABC building|last=Fuhrmann|first=Kim|date=15 June 2010|work=Western Australian Business News|access-date=7 January 2011}}

The transmission tower was demolished in January 2011.{{citation

|title=ABC transmission tower demolition starts

|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation

|date=25 January 2011

|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/25/3121354.htm

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231065023/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/25/3121354.htm

|url-status=dead

|archive-date=31 December 2012

|access-date=26 January 2011

}}{{citation

|title=50 years of ABC history comes down

|newspaper=The West Australian

|date=26 January 2011

|last=Ryan|first=Vivienne

}}

• Walter "Wally" Coxon (call sign 6AG) was a prominent wireless experimenter in Perth in the early 1920s, having been licensed since before World War One as XYK. He was appointed chief engineer of 6WF in late 1923 to design the Mulgaphone wireless receiver for marketing to Westralian Farmers' clients and build up an audience for the future 6WF operation. By late 1925 he was manager of the wireless department of Westralian Farmers (which included responsibility for oversight of 6WF).{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58227960 |title=6W.F.'S WIRELESS MANAGER. MR. W. E. COXON. |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1448 |location=Western Australia |date=11 October 1925 |accessdate=10 September 2022 |page=9 (First Section) |via=National Library of Australia}} He continued in that role until the late 1920s, when he left 6WF (now owned by the Commonwealth Government) and was appointed chief engineer of the new commercial (then Class B) station at Northam.
• William "Bill" Phipps (call sign 6WP) was also a Perth wireless experimenter from the mid 1920s. He was appointed assistant engineer of 6WF in 1924 and remained in that role till the 1930s.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58225585 |title=WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK Our Budget of Broadcasting and Listening-in Lyrics— Of the Greatest Value to the Seeker after Knowledge RADIOGRAMS |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1440 |location=Western Australia |date=16 August 1925 |accessdate=8 September 2022 |page=11 (First Section) |via=National Library of Australia}}
• George Bremner "Jock" Sutherland or Clyne (call sign 6GB) was another assistant engineer at 6WF during the late 1920s. He was a relatively recent arrival from Scotland who quickly established himself in the Perth wireless experimenting sphere. He regularly ran 6WF beyond its scheduled 10pm closing with his own selection of gramophone records.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58224169 |title=WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK Our Budget of Broadcasting and Listening-In Lyrics— Of the Greatest Value to the Seeker after Knowledge RADIOGRAMS |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1444 |location=Western Australia |date=13 September 1925 |accessdate=9 September 2022 |page=6 (First Section) |via=National Library of Australia}}

Harold Wells was the first chief (and initially, only) announcer at 6WF and stayed with the station until forced to retire by ill health in 1929. As the most frequently heard voice over Perth's only broadcasting station for five years, he became very well known. He died age 35 in 1938.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82570083 |title=W. A.'s First Announcer Dies At 35 |newspaper=The Daily News |volume=LVI |issue=19,892 |location=Western Australia |date=28 December 1938 |access-date=6 September 2022 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}

During initial planning for the station, consideration was being given to operating only a few days a week. In the week prior to commencement on 4 June 1924, the new broadcast facility played continuous gramophone music while equipment was adjusted in the entire transmission chain. The tests were sought out by a public starved of broadcast programming.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58068656 |title=WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1378 |location=Western Australia |date=8 June 1924 |accessdate=2 September 2022 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}} Following commencement, the station immediately went to a seven days a week schedule, though only operating in the evenings from 7{{nbsp}}pm to 10{{nbsp}}pm.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article83973222 |title=WIRELESS BROADCASTING. |newspaper=The Daily News |volume=XLIII |issue=15,329 |location=Western Australia |date=9 June 1924 |accessdate=2 September 2022 |page=8 (THIRD EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} From 1 July 1924, 6WF commenced four daily sessions, commencing at 10{{nbsp}}am, 12.30{{nbsp}}pm, 3{{nbsp}}pm and 7{{nbsp}}pm.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article213728528 |title=WIRELESS WAVES |newspaper=Call |issue=523 |location=Western Australia |date=4 July 1924 |accessdate=2 September 2022 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}

Extension lectures by the University of Western Australia had been given at many locations throughout WA and were popular with the public. 17 of these lectures were broadcast over 6WF in 1924, with reception reported over distances of 300 to 400 miles.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82860934 |title=THE UNIVERSITY. |newspaper=The Daily News |volume=XLIII |issue=15,486 |location=Western Australia |date=9 December 1924 |accessdate=4 September 2022 |page=6 (THIRD EDITION) |via=National Library of Australia}} On the occasion of its first anniversary, it was noted that in the past year 6WF had conducted 900 transmissions, played 2,000 records and presented 200 lectures without failing to broadcast on a single day.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58219042 |title=WIRELESS WEEK BY WEEK |newspaper=Sunday Times (Perth) |issue=1430 |location=Western Australia |date=7 June 1925 |accessdate=5 September 2022 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}

ABC Radio Perth produces news bulletins unique to Western Australia, which are broadcast between 5:00am and 10:00pm on weekdays, and between 6:00am and 1:00pm on weekends. National bulletins are broadcast outside these times.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}

The station also broadcasts national news magazine programs - AM, The World Today and PM.

File:ABC Perth - Geoff Hutchison in 720 studio (E37@OpenHousePerth2014).jpg, presenter of the Drive program, in the station's radio studio (The Wally Foreman Studio, Radio Studio 600)]]

Throughout the day and evening, ABC Radio Perth broadcasts a variety of talk shows. Breakfast on weekdays, presented by Eoin Cameron from 2002 until March 2016,{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-11/eoin-cameron-departs-abc-radio-after-47-year-career/7236348|title=Eoin Cameron: ABC radio ends 47-year career for retirement and recovery|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=11 March 2016|access-date=11 May 2016}} has consistently been the highest rating breakfast program on Perth radio.{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/au/en/surveys/2013/PerthSurvey8-2013.pdf|title=Survey #8 2013|publisher=Nielsen|access-date=25 December 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/au/en/surveys/2013/PerthSurvey7-2013.pdf|title=Survey #7 2013|publisher=Nielsen|access-date=3 December 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/eoin-cameron-takes-prime-breakfast-slot-in-radio-ratings/story-e6frg2rc-1225810917695|title=Eoin Cameron takes prime breakfast slot in radio ratings|last=Ganska|first=Helen|date=16 December 2009|work=Perth Now|access-date=7 January 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.wabusinessnews.com.au/story/1/70909/ABC-720-wins-breakfast-radio-ratings-war|title=ABC 720 wins breakfast radio ratings war|last=Lawson|first=Rebecca|date=5 March 2009|work=Western Australian Business News|access-date=7 January 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/more-listen-in-to-96fm/story-e6frg2rc-1225847572161|title=WA ratings wars: more listen to 96FM|last=Ganska|first=Helen|date=30 March 2010|work=Perth Now|access-date=7 January 2011}}

{{see also|ABC Radio Grandstand}}

ABC Radio Perth broadcasts a range of sports coverage syndicated through the network under the name ABC Radio Grandstand, including Australian rules football and cricket.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/profiles/content/s2790633.htm?site=perth&source=rss|title=WA Grandstand team|date=18 June 2010|work=720 ABC Perth|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=7 January 2011}}

The station is one of three that broadcast Australian Football League matches in Perth; the others are 6PR and Triple M Perth. The station also broadcasts West Australian Football League matches.{{cite web|url=http://www.wafootball.com.au/wafl/1801-wafl-season-kicks-off-tonight|title=WAFL season kicks off tonight|date=19 March 2010|work=wafootball.com.au|publisher=West Australian Football Commission|access-date=7 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204155318/http://wafootball.com.au/wafl/1801-wafl-season-kicks-off-tonight|archive-date=4 December 2010|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82192/default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001032831/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82192/default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2009|title=AFL and the media|date=7 August 2009|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Australian Football League|access-date=7 January 2011}}

• ABW (TV station) – ABC television station located in the same building

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{cite web|url=http://watvhistory.com/2012/08/the-6wf-story-part-1-of-3/|title=The 6WF Story – Part 1 of 3|publisher=WA TV History|date=2012-08-20|access-date=2012-10-06}}
• {{cite web|url=http://watvhistory.com/2012/08/the-6wf-story-part-2-of-3/|title=The 6WF Story – Part 2 of 3|publisher=WA TV History|date=2012-08-20|access-date=2012-10-06}}
• {{cite web|url=http://watvhistory.com/2012/08/the-6wf-story-part-3-of-3/|title=The 6WF Story – Part 3 of 3|publisher=WA TV History|date=2012-08-20|access-date=2012-10-06}}
• {{cite web|url =https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/History_of_wireless_telegraphy_and_broadcasting_in_Australia/Topical/Stations/6WF_Perth/Notes| title =History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia| author =((Wikibooks contributors))| website =Wikibooks| publisher =Wikibooks, The Free Textbook Project| accessdate =31 August 2022| quote =Selected transcriptions (200+) of Trove articles about 6WF}}
• {{cite thesis|last=Ciallella|first=Rebecca Michelle|date=1991|title=The Shaping of a Voice: The Early Years of 6WF|url=https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/40783/|location=Perth|publisher=Murdoch University|type=honours }}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|www.abc.net.au/radio/perth/}}

{{Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}

{{Perth radio}}

{{ABC Local Radio}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:ABC Radio Perth}}

Perth

Category:Radio stations in Perth, Western Australia