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2BS Bathurst
'The Centre of the West'

2BS “The Centre of the West” transmitting on a frequency of 1500 Kc/s, wavelength of 200 metres, commenced operation in 1937.

image of Original 2BS letterhead

Original 2BS letterhead
© Keith Robinson Collection, Radio Heritage Foundation

2BS is on the air from 6.30 a.m. till 10.30 p.m. week days and 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., and again from 5.30 p.m. till 10 p.m. on Sundays.

The station is owned, controlled and operated by Bathurst Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., with Directors B. N. Williams and W. T. Grant.

2BS operates in the centre of a very prosperous agricultural district which is rapidly becoming industrialised with the establishment of new secondary industries.

Being one of the first districts to be settled west of the Blue Mountains, when early gold finds brought an influx of pioneering stock, Bathurst and district have developed a culture and stability unusual for an inland city.

2BS has succeeded in its appeal to the surrounding population and has provided an unexcelled broadcasting service which features the cream of radio entertainment provided for metropolitan listeners together with a maximum coverage of all local events. This policy of the best available entertainment without neglecting the “local station” outlook has marshalled the full co-operation of district listeners.

The large audience of 2BS has invariably responded magnificently to many charitable and patriotic appeals launched by this Station.

2BS has in its secondary coverage area a population of 93,800. An increase in power to 200 watts two years ago has enabled the station to contact listeners in a wide area.

Bathurst is the home town of the Prime Minister, the Hon. J. B. Chifley, and had peace been declared a few hours earlier than was the case the announcement would have been made through the station, which had made facilities available at the P.M.’s request.

2BS is an associate of the Macquarie Network and participates in all the main Network services. The station conducts a hospital session each morning and calls patients in Orange, Blayney, Rylstone, Kandos, Lithgow and Orange.
2BS features in this Tri-Station Ad in the 1939 Broadcasting Business Yearbook

2BS features in this Tri-Station Ad in the 1939 Broadcasting Business Yearbook
© Radio Heritage Foundation

The “2BS Radio Club Session” is conducted each morning from the studio by “Maisie” and has branches in Bathurst, Perthvillc, Kelso, Oberon and Blayney. Dances, studio shows and other similar entertainments are also broadcast from surrounding towns by 2BS. A full company of city artists led by such stars as Terry Howard, Mal Verco, Bob Dyer, Al Royal, Geo. Sorlie have been taken to Lithgow, Orange and Bathurst by 2BS. The popular Mid-day request session “Music of the People” often brings to the station over 1,400 letters per month. Regular News Services and market reports are relayed from Sydney; also weather forecasts.

The Children’s Session conducted in the studio each afternoon has often been conducted at various towns throughout the west.

2BS is very active in local affairs, and supplies, public address systems to all sports and shows, charitable functions and race meetings.

Listeners enjoy all the recording programmes which are selected from the extensive library at the station. Latest recordings are added constantly. 2BS’s Sydney representative is Don Scott, of 56 Young Street, Sydney and in Melbourne Stanford Allan, of 247 Collins Street.

image of Listener confirmation card signed by Chief Engineer T L Croke

Listener confirmation card signed by Chief Engineer T L Croke
© Keith Robinson Collection, Radio Heritage Foundation

A new transmitter is awaiting delivery to 2BS, and a modern radiating system is shortly to be erected some distance from town.

The Manager of 2BS, E. N. WILLIAMS was formerly associated with 2LT Lithgow. He has had a varied theatrical experience and is a very popular personality with listeners. Mr. Williams is also associated with 2DU Dubbo.

T. L. CROKE is Chief Engineer.

Other personalities at the station include RAY LAMBERT, DES. TOCCHINI, DOUG. SMITH, “MAISIE.” The location of 2BS Studio is 51 Keppel Street, Bathurst.

Australian Radio History

Now available as a free eBook!



2BS Bathurst - 'The Centre of the West', 'Broadcast Year Book and Radio Listeners' Annual of Australia 1946-47.
Editor: C C Faulkner.
© Ray Crawford Collection, Radio Heritage Foundation.

Digital version of text, images and layout © Radio Heritage Foundation 2011.








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