Radio4EB FM

4EB FM is a community ethnic radio station

Radio4EB FM (4EBFM) provides listeners from other countries or non-English speaking backgrounds with a link to their countries of origin. For recent arrivals to Brisbane, 4EBFM is a valuable source of information, including settlement advice and local community news, with programs in a number of different ethnic languages.

4EBFM’s mission is to provide the communities of Brisbane with a comprehensive ethnic broadcasting service of a high standard, whilst promoting the principles of neutrality, independence, democracy, diversity and participation at all levels of multicultural radio.

Broadcasting out of Brisbane, the station’s signal can also be heard north to Gympie, west to Toowoomba and south to northern New South Wales.

Cultural groups are strongly linked to their individual programs, however 4EBFM listeners also include those from non-ethnic backgrounds who wish to hear the variety of world music played and to learn more about the different cultures of Brisbane.

Different cultural groups are allotted different amounts of airtime according to the number of paid members the group has. Programming contains news, sports, music and variety and anyone can join a group even if they are not from its particular ethnic background.

The Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland (EBAQ) did its first test broadcast from Spring Hill in 1977. After a public broadcasting license was granted, 4EBFM commenced broadcasting on December 1, 1979. At that stage there were 20 language groups taking part, and approximately 800 members. In 1981 4EBFM moved to larger premises in West End, and commenced broadcasting 24 hours a day.

In 1988, after four years of fund-raising and expanding its broadcasting signal, 4EBFM secured its current location, a purpose built heritage building at Kangaroo Point. It now has over 5000 members and involves over 50 different language groups from around the globe. On December 1, 2001 at 12.01 am, 4EBFM commenced broadcasting at FM 98.1.

Last updated by Jade Sciberras (2009-10-23)