SAFM
SAFM (call sign: 5SSA) is a commercial FM radio station broadcasting in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, on a frequency of 107.1 MHz, and is part of Southern Cross Austereo's Hit Network.
 | |
| Broadcast area | Adelaide, South Australia |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 107.1 MHz FM (1989–present) |
| Branding | SAFM |
| Slogan | Get That Feeling |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Format | Adult CHR |
| Affiliations | Hit Network |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Southern Cross Austereo |
| Sister stations | 5MMM |
| History | |
| First air date | 12 September 1980 |
| Former frequencies | 107.5 MHz FM (1980–1989) |
| Call sign meaning | 5 Stereo South Australia |
| Links | |
| Website | Official website |
History
The station commenced broadcasting in 1980, on the frequency of 107.5 MHz, with a call sign of 5SSA and an original on-air branding of "Triple SA-FM" which was very short-lived and soon replaced by "Double SA-FM". It was the first commercial radio station to broadcast on the FM band in Adelaide started by Paul Thompson of the Austereo Network. The first song played on air was "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits. Initially, SA-FM was somewhat of a fringe operation, hampered largely by the fact that many houses, and more importantly most contemporary cars, did not have the ability to receive FM radio broadcasts.
In 1982 it changed its name to "SAFM" and in 1989 altered its frequency slightly to 107.1 MHz. A second frequency, 91.1 MHz, was added as what was the first of many repeater frequencies in Adelaide, required due to Adelaide's sometimes problematic television and radio reception idiosyncrasies. The frequency was later changed to 90.3 MHz and it continues to operate on that frequency.
Prior to the commercial introduction of the Compact Disc audio format to the Australian market, SAFM obtained one of the first Sony CD consumer players, which was used on-air for demonstrating this new format to the public.
SAFM was also the first station in the world to have "Black Thunder" promotional vehicles.
Between 1984 until 1993 it was the highest rating station in Adelaide and achieving its best survey results in the late '80s, spearheaded by the "Morning Zoo" breakfast show. SAFM became number one again in 1999, holding that position until 2005, when it dropped back to third, behind the talk station FIVEaa and the music station Mix 102.3.
From its inception SAFM was an adult rock-based format, before switching to CHR in March 1996. Then in November 2003, SAFM changed from CHR to an adult contemporary format, but both SAFM and Triple M Adelaide reverted to their original formats in December 2004.
On 13 October 2014, it was announced that SAFM would relaunch as Hit 107 on 20 October 2014 due to poor ratings. Amos Gill and Daniela Pola were also announced as the new breakfast team.[1] On 20 October 2014, Hit 107 was planning to sign on at 8:00 AM Adelaide Time.
Since 2019 local Television personalities Rebecca Morse and Andrew Costello have presented the breakfast Show - Bec & Cosi, from 6:00 am to 9:00 am weekdays.
The current morning announcer is English Chris and the afternoon announcer is Nicole Mitchell. Programming is local weekdays between 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, with all other programming networked from Fox FM Melbourne and 2Day FM Sydney.
On 27 July 2020, hit107 rebranded back to its former name SAFM after 6 years with a new logo. Additionally, former SAFM presenter and media personality Anthony Lehmann (Lehmo) joined Bec and Cosi on the breakfast show. The SAFM brand was also extended to its sister station in Mount Gambier formerly known as Hit96.1.
Digital radio
SAFM is simulcast on Digital Radio in Adelaide.