Thanks to a couple of dedicated 'Radio Buffs' feeling the need for a local community radio station in the Woy Woy Peninsular area, Radio Five-O-Plus first went to air during Senior’s Week in March 1993.  Regular  broadcasting two days per week from a small room above a chemist shop in Umina began in August 1993.

 

Due to the great response from listeners in this area it was decided to move to the Gosford area, so in March 1994, through the help of Gosford Council we were able to set up a transmitter on Rumbalara at East Gosford with increased power of 200 watts giving us a much wider listening area. At the same time the studio was relocated to our present site Mann Street address to be more central within the demographic area.

 

For some years broadcasts were on weekends only until our broadcasting time was extended to three days and Mondays were then included.  Since 1999 we have been granted the right to broadcast seven days a week and 24 hours per day.

 

Live broadcasting takes place from 6.45am until 10.00pm every day and after 10.00pm until 6.45am the jukebox plays easy listening music continuously to entertain night time listeners.

 

February 2001 saw a new transmitter installed with increased power, which increased our signal to 1000 watts. From a very small beginning by the five founding members we now have some 40 presenters and 45 support staff to handle the phones and conduct the considerable routine office work required to keep the station running non-stop seven days per week.  All of our staff are volunteers and give up their valuable time to help us. 

A survey conducted by the Department of Communications found that in a 12-month period over 5,000 people received training in radio broadcasting at community stations.  It is generally believed that one third of media professionals initially gained their broadcasting skill at community radio stations. 

Radio Five-O-Plus was granted a Permanent Broadcasting Licence by the Australian Communications Media Authority on the 22^nd November 2002 with the call sign of 2SNR on the frequency of 93.3Mhz FM. 

30th June 2005 saw the relocation of our transmitter and the installation of a new antenna system to Mt Penang and the commencement of broadcasting in Stereo at 2000 watts, from a Mixed Polarised antenna.

The 16th February 2005 Radio Five-O-Plus began broadcasting the National Radio News five times on week days, and three times per day on weekends.

Radio Five-O-Plus now covers the whole Central Coast area from the Hawkesbury River to Lake Macquarie with Sweet Sounds and Marvellous Memories.

Thanks to some wonderful staff members who not only donated, but fitted out, a caravan into our very own mobile studio we call 'Little Bippy'. 'Little Bippy' can be seen at our outside broadcasts around the Central Coast promoting Radio Five-O-Plus for the discerning listener.