Canberra’s longest running community radio station celebrates 50 years on air
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At 6 am on 2 July 1976, Canberrans were woken by something new – the sound of community radio station 2XX gracing the airwaves for the very first time.
Fast forward 50 years, and 2XX is marking a milestone moment, claiming the title of Canberra’s longest-running community radio station.
It hasn’t been an easy journey.
From weathering conflict, criticism and even suspected arson (which brought down the 2XX transmitter in 1988) to complaints about ‘explicitly lesbian and homosexual propaganda,’ the station was often at the forefront of social change happening in Canberra. But 2XX has not only survived – it thrived – and continues to track the ups and downs of Canberra’s music, social, political and cultural landscapes.
People-powered by over 100 volunteers, it has proudly offered an independent alternative to mainstream radio for five decades – spanning a diverse mix of locally grown music, entertainment, current affairs, and multicultural language programs.
For ABC Radio National broadcaster Jonathan Green, wandering into the 2XX Kingsley Street studios in 1978 changed his life.
“2XX was a remarkable place full of people seized by the possibilities of the moment. Make stuff. Get it out there. Do it with commitment and energy. I met my first microphone. I dropped out of uni. I was hooked,” he says.
Jonathan is just one of the many prominent and successful Australians who have spent time behind the 2XX microphone or behind the scenes.
From Midnight Oil’s frontman Peter Garrett to award-winning sound designer Liam Egan and former ABC foreign correspondent Phil Williams, the station has changed – and touched – the lives of many people.
Acclaimed filmmaker Sue Maslin AO produced and broadcast programs at 2XX in the early 1980s and credits 2XX for her filmmaking career.
“This was the only media experience I had at the time, but it was enough to help me be selected into the Graduate Diploma of Media Studies at Canberra CAE, and that was the beginning of my love affair with film.”
That’s just a brief glimpse of 2XX’s history. It has also provided a platform for women’s collectives, First Nations voices, local musicians and community groups, becoming known as a hub for political organising in the ’70s and ’80s.
“We also showcased fantastic local music not heard on the other stations, with bands like Domestic Dirt, the Doug Anthony All Stars, The Gadflys and lots more,” says Declan O’Connell, who has hosted programs on 2XX for many years.
And because it’s not a birthday without a party, a lot is happening to mark the occasion.
Canberrans are invited to explore the free 2XX People-Powered Radio: Celebrating 50 years exhibition at Canberra Museum and Gallery, while on Thursday 2 July, Sue and Jonathan will speak at 2XX’s Birthday Gala at CMAG, sharing their memories of 2XX and of the dynamic Canberra environment from which it emerged.
Then on Saturday 4 July, the beats will pop on with a special Birthday Bash live music dance party at Dissent Bar & Café. Run by 2XX alumnus Dave Howe, from 4 pm DJ Mista Nige will be spinning tunes for all ages, with live bands kicking off from 8 pm until midnight.
From humble beginnings to creating an online audience with listeners from all over the world, 2XX has always given a voice to the Canberra community.
And as they mark their Golden Jubilee – one that tells the story of Canberra – all we can say is it’s one birthday worth celebrating.
Feature image via Canberra Museum and Gallery.
