For more than four decades, Vision Australia Radio has been a trusted companion to listeners across Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, delivering news, stories and connection through the familiar hum of AM radio.
Now, a new chapter is beginning.
As of July 1, Vision Australia Radio in these capital cities is moving away from AM broadcasting and embracing digital platforms, including DAB+ radio, smart speakers, mobile apps and online streaming.
Why the change?
For Vision Australia Chief Mission Officer Chris Edwards, the decision is firmly grounded in the needs of listeners.
“Our focus is making sure our services continue to meet the needs of people who are blind or have low vision,” Chris said.
“This move is about strengthening Vision Australia Radio so it can continue for the next 10, 20 or 30 years.”
More than half of Vision Australia Radio’s audience is already listening through digital platforms, which offer clearer sound, greater reliability and flexibility in how and where people tune in.
“This is 100 per cent about ensuring the future of the service,” Chris said.
“We remain incredibly passionate about radio and the role it plays in keeping people informed and connected.”
A better listening experience
Anyone who has tuned into AM radio in a busy city will be familiar with the occasional crackle or interference. Passing trams, tall buildings and even weather conditions can impact the signal.
With DAB+ and digital streaming, those disruptions disappear.
Marilyn Bednar, Vision Australia Radio Coordinator of Volunteers, has been helping listeners understand what this shift means.
“The connection and the content people love is still here,” she says. “You just connect in a new way. And the sound quality is much clearer and crisper.”
Vision Australia Radio National Audio Business Development Consultant Jason Gipps describes it simply.
“With digital, it feels like you are right there in the studio. It’s a much cleaner, clearer sound, and it really enhances the experience for listeners,” Jason said.
Easy ways to listen
The good news is there are plenty of ways to access Vision Australia Radio:
- DAB+ digital radio in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin
- Smart speakers, by saying “Play Vision Australia Radio”
- Mobile apps, including the Community Radio Plus app, iHeart Radio, TuneIn
- Online streaming via the Vision Australia Radio website
For people who prefer a traditional radio-style experience, DAB+ radios offer a familiar setup. Listeners simply select “VA Radio” from a list and can save it as a favourite.
Smart speakers have also become a popular option, offering simple voice control and hands-free listening.
“It’s incredibly easy once it’s set up,” Jason explains. “You can ask it to play the station, adjust the volume, or switch programs, all with your voice.”
Real experiences from listeners
Long-time listener Wanda Edgerton has already made the switch and is embracing digital listening at home.
“I use smart speakers in different rooms,” Wanda said.
“They’re loud and clear, and there’s no interference. You just talk to them and they do what you need.”
“You can be cooking or moving around and still control everything with your voice. It’s really flexible.”
Even some presenters have found themselves adapting. Adelaide broadcaster Peter Greco, who has spent decades on air, has made the switch.
“I’ve been very much an analogue person,” Peter said.
“But if you love the programs, you find a way. There’s a lot to enjoy on the other side.”
What’s staying the same
While the move away from AM affects services in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, the rest of the network is not impacted.
- AM and FM broadcasts in regional Victoria and southern New South Wales will continue as usual
- Local services will remain available to communities that rely on them
- Listeners in these areas do not need to make any changes.
Across the network, the programming, voices and community that listeners know and trust will continue.
Volunteers remain at the heart of Vision Australia Radio, reading newspapers, producing programs and sharing stories every day.
“We simply couldn’t do this without them. That will never change,” Chris said.
Learn more
For more information about the transition to digital listening via our DAB+ Transition hub or listen to our special podcast, produced by Stephen Jolley.
