2KA Radio: The Evolution of a Blue Mountains Broadcasting Icon
The history of 2KA is a fascinating journey through the landscape of Australian broadcasting. Originally licensed to Katoomba, New South Wales, this station served as a vital communication link for the Blue Mountains area of western Sydney for decades, evolving from a local AM service into a modern FM presence.
The Early Years and Technical Growth
Launched on 7 September 1935, 2KA began its life as a dedicated service for the Blue Mountains. In its early years, the station underwent several frequency shifts to optimize its signal. By December 1937, it moved from 1160 kHz to 780 kHz. As the station grew, so did its technical infrastructure.
In 1978, a repeater station was added on 1480 kHz. By November of that same year, the station transmitted on 783 kHz on the AM band (Amplitude Modulation), while introducing a translator station—a low-power station that re-broadcasts a signal to extend coverage—on 1476 kHz at Emu Plains.
[no image available]Expanding the Reach to Penrith
The introduction of the Emu Plains translator marked a strategic shift. Previously, 2KA was exclusively a Blue Mountains-based license. The new 1476 kHz frequency allowed the station to extend its audience reach into Penrith, opening new revenue streams from local businesses. This expansion caught the attention of Sydney radio stations, some of whom purchased the license to experiment with automated technologies to prevent their own audiences from being eroded, though these experiments were not intended for mass-market appeal.
The Mike Walsh Era
In 1983, the license was acquired by renowned Australian television personality Mike Walsh. Walsh sought to implement an innovative entertainment product and a sustainable business model for the station.
Under Walsh's ownership, the station's physical presence evolved. While it had been broadcasting from Borec House at the corner of Station and Henry Streets in Penrith, Walsh developed a new studio at the intersection of Henry and Lawson Streets. This new facility was conveniently located adjacent to a cinema complex also owned by Walsh.
[no image available]The Transition to FM and Beyond
A pivotal moment in the station's history occurred on 26 October 1992 at 13:00 hrs., when 2KA converted to the FM band (Frequency Modulation), rebranding as One FM and later 96.1FM. The transition was marked by a thematic musical launch, playing Elton John's "The One," followed by Euphoria's "One In A Million" and U2's "One."
The conversion was considered a significant financial victory; the station paid only $46,000 for the switch. This was viewed as a bargain given the extensive coverage area in Sydney and the record-breaking sums other AM stations were paying for similar FM conversions.
[no image available]Ownership Changes and Modern Branding
In 1997, Mike Walsh sold the license to the Australian Radio Network (ARN). Following this acquisition, the service underwent several rebranding phases to keep pace with changing listener demographics. The station became known as 9inety-6ix.1, transitioned to Edge 96.1 in 2002, and most recently became CADA in 2023.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: 7 September 1935.
- Original Location: Katoomba, New South Wales.
- FM Conversion Date: 26 October 1992.
- Conversion Cost: $46,000.
- Key Owner: Mike Walsh (acquired 1983, sold 1997).
- Final Known Brand: CADA (as of 2023).
| Era/Year | Station Name/Frequency | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1935 | 2KA (AM) | Station launched in Katoomba |
| 1978 | 783 kHz / 1476 kHz | Expansion into Emu Plains and Penrith |
| 1983 | 2KA | Acquired by Mike Walsh |
| 1992 | One FM / 96.1FM | Converted to FM band |
| 1997 | 9inety-6ix.1 | Sold to Australian Radio Network (ARN) |
| 2002 | Edge 96.1 | Rebranded for new audience |
| 2023 | CADA | Latest rebranding |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did 2KA first start broadcasting?
2KA was launched on 7 September 1935, originally serving the Blue Mountains area from Katoomba, New South Wales.
Who was Mike Walsh and what was his role?
Mike Walsh was an Australian television personality who bought the 2KA license in 1983. He developed new studios in Penrith and worked to create an innovative business model for the station.
How much did it cost for the station to move to the FM band?
The station paid $46,000 to convert to the FM band in 1992, a price considered a bargain compared to the high costs paid by other AM stations at the time.
What songs were played during the first FM broadcast?
The first three songs played upon the conversion to FM were "The One" by Elton John, "One In A Million" by Euphoria, and "One" by U2.
What is the station called today?
After several name changes including One FM, 9inety-6ix.1, and Edge 96.1, the service became known as CADA in 2023.