The History of Radio Adelaide: Australia’s First Community Radio Station
For over 50 years, Radio Adelaide has been a beacon of independent, grassroots, and community-driven broadcasting. Our history as Australia’s first-ever community radio station, it has pioneered public access media, championed diverse voices, and provided a training ground for generations of broadcasters, musicians, and journalists.
Making History: The Birth of Community Radio, 5UV and the 1970s
Radio Adelaide’s history began in 1972, when it first launched as 5UV, an educational and experimental broadcasting project initiated by the University of Adelaide. The concept of “community radio” was still in its infancy in Australia, and 5UV was a bold experiment in public access broadcasting, a stark contrast to the rigidly controlled commercial and government-run radio of the time.
From the beginning, 5UV’s purpose was education. The station broadcast university lectures, discussions on science, the arts, social issues, and public affairs, making knowledge accessible beyond the lecture hall. This innovative approach set the foundation for what would later become the community broadcasting sector, a media movement dedicated to serving the people, not profit.
During the early 1970s, 5UV played a crucial role in shaping Australia’s evolving media landscape. As commercial stations focused on mainstream content and the ABC adhered to strict government guidelines, 5UV filled a gap, providing alternative voices, experimental music, and in-depth community storytelling.
The Expansion of Community Media: The 1980s and 1990s
By the 1980s, community radio in Australia was gaining momentum, and 5UV was at the forefront of this movement. The station expanded beyond its educational roots to embrace a broader cultural and social mission, championing local music, multicultural perspectives, and marginalized voices.
This era saw the emergence of independent music scenes, and 5UV became a launchpad for local musicians, providing airtime to artists who wouldn’t get a chance on commercial stations. Punk, jazz, folk, and world music all found a home on the station, helping to shape Adelaide’s vibrant live music culture.
During this period, the station also developed a reputation for progressive talk programming, covering issues like Indigenous rights, gender equality, environmental activism, and LGBTQIA+ representation—topics that were rarely discussed in mainstream media at the time.
As community radio grew across the country, the station began to redefine its identity. By the late 1990s, it was no longer just an educational station but a fully-fledged community broadcaster, serving a diverse audience across Adelaide and beyond.
The Transformation into Radio Adelaide (2002-Present)
Recognizing its shift in focus, 5UV rebranded as Radio Adelaide in 2002, a name that better reflected its role as a station for and by the people of Adelaide. This transition cemented its identity as a hub for community engagement, cultural expression, and independent journalism.
A History of Championing Diversity and Social Change
Throughout the 2000s, Radio Adelaide continued to push boundaries in news, culture, and music programming. The station became a leader in First Nations broadcasting, supporting Indigenous-led programs that amplified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in media.
Other key initiatives included:
- Multicultural programs that provided airspace for communities speaking languages other than English, fostering inclusivity.
- LGBTQIA+ representation, ensuring that queer voices had a space to tell their stories.
- Independent music showcases, featuring artists from local and international underground scenes.
At the same time, the station remained committed to training and education, helping aspiring broadcasters, journalists, and producers gain hands-on experience in media production. Countless media professionals got their start at Radio Adelaide, many of whom have gone on to careers in the ABC, SBS, commercial media, and the arts industry.
Challenges and Resilience: 2016 and Beyond
Despite its successes, Radio Adelaide has faced major challenges. In 2016, the University of Adelaide announced it would sell the station’s North Terrace studios, raising concerns about the future of community broadcasting in the city.
However, rather than fading away, Radio Adelaide’s supporters rallied together, fighting to secure its independence. The station transitioned to a new location and management structure, shifting to a more listener-supported model while retaining its core mission.
Radio Adelaide Today: The Future of Community Radio
Today, Radio Adelaide continues to be a thriving hub of independent storytelling, music, and local culture while honouring our history. Broadcasting on 101.5FM, digital radio, and online, the station remains committed to:
– Amplifying diverse voices across Adelaide and beyond.
– Supporting independent artists, musicians, and journalists.
– Providing training and mentorship for emerging media professionals.
– Challenging mainstream narratives and creating space for new ideas.
As the media landscape changes, Radio Adelaide remains a vital force for grassroots broadcasting, proving that independent, community-driven storytelling still matters in an age of digital media monopolies.
From its humble beginnings as an educational experiment to a powerhouse of community broadcasting, Radio Adelaide stands as a testament to the power of independent voices.
50+ years strong, and still broadcasting loud and proud!
