ABC Local Radio 612 AM

Brisbane’s local radio branch of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation

612 ABC Brisbane is one of the major radio stations in the ABC Local Radio network. Along with its 612 AM frequency, the station can also be heard across Queensland via digital satellite pay television (Austar channel 830, Foxtel channel 878) and internationally via live streaming on the station’s web site.

612 ABC’s current programming typically consists of a mixture of news, current affairs, sport, talkback, light entertainment, comedy, music and call-in trivia quizzes. Many of its programs are also broadcast across the ABC Local Radio network in regional and rural areas of Queensland to supplement smaller stations’ local programming.

According to breakfast announcer Spencer Howson, the role of 612 ABC is "to hold a mirror up to Brisbane … to reflect Brisbane and to connect with Brisbane”. “What Brisbane people are talking about, we talk about,” he says, “so that 612 sits quite happily and comfortably at the end of the breakfast bar with everyone else in the family”.

The station’s primary audience is listeners aged 40+ and its programming reflects the dynamic nature of the radio industry market. “We currently have more listeners 35 and above than any other [Brisbane] radio station,” says Howson.

Brisbane local radio began in 1925, with the Queensland Government broadcasting under the call sign 4QG . This station then became a part of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Brisbane radio network at its inception in 1932. On January 7, 1938, the ABC began a second station under the call sign 4QR which carried national programming, whilst 4QG continued airing predominantly local content.

In 1998, in common with all other ABC Local Radio stations, 4QR’s on-air identity changed to the format “(frequency) ABC (region name)”. It is now exclusively known as 612 ABC Brisbane on air.

In January 2009, 612 ABC began providing simulcasts of its AM content on digital radio.

Last updated by Emma Stephens (2009-10-23)