5AU

Radio 5AU (1242 AM) is a South Australian radio station broadcasting a classic hits format from its transmitter site at Mambray Creek into the Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo area and north into the Flinders Ranges. Established with studios in Port Augusta, first broadcast 25 May 1938. Also separate studio facilities in Whyalla. During the 1940s/1950s they relayed 5KA Adelaide programs in some day-parts. 5AU often broadcast balls from Whyalla and Hawker.Transmission power was upgraded (located at Nectar Brook 32.5 km south of Port Augusta) with an S.T.C. 2,000 watt transmitter in 1961. and relay transmitters at Port Pirie and Roxby Downs. To improve coverage, particularly into the Whyalla area, the transmitter station was relocated in 1976 to Mambray Creek, 47 km south of Port Augusta. The transmitters were the STC transmitter from Nectar Brook (operating at 2.5 kW) plus a new 2.5 Kw unit. The frequency was changed from the original 1450 kHZ to the lower 1240 kHz and later 1242 kHz. Modern studios were opened at Denton Court, Port Augusta in December 1968 and Whyalla studios were rebuilt and commissioned in July 1972 at the 15 Barter Street location. In the early 1970s, programs were broadcast from both locations, with the Breakfast program mainl... ()