How it all started…
RadioActive.FM began life as the student radio station for Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) first broadcasting in August 1977, on 1260kHz AM.
At 7PM, On February 22, 1982, Radio Active became the first radio station in Wellington, and the second in New Zealand, to (legally) broadcast FM, at 89MHz.
Today, RadioActive.FM is the longest serving FM broadcaster in New Zealand.
In 1992, concerned with the station’s financial future, VUWSA voted to close Radio Active.
A group of DJs pitched in to purchase the station from the Students’ Association, and continued to operate 89FM.
In 1996, Radio Active was one of the first radio stations in the world to commence online broadcasting, and one of the first to have a stream available 24/7.
In 1998, the station moved off campus, to join Wellington’s creative communities in the central city – creating popular events such as the long-running “One Love” Waitangi Day festival, and music video awards night: “Handle The Jandal”.
In 2017, the Radio Active Charitable Trust was formed to oversee the station. The trustees represent many of Wellington’s creative communities.
RadioActive.FM is proudly part of the Student Radio Network (SRN) along with 95bFM, Radio Control, RDU and Radio One.
Each year, the Mighty Aotearoa Alternative Awards celebrate the best in alternative music!
Want to learn more about RadioActive.FM? Check out our 45th Anniversary gallery, or the article by our friends over at AudioCulture. (or give us a call – we’re always happy to hear from you!)
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