‘Are we on yet?’: Melbourne’s Nova 100 reaches legal drinking age

Staff Writer

It was 18 years ago today (December 3) that Melbourne radio was turned on its head with the launch of Nova 100; the first new commercial station in 21 years.

After months of testing the 100.3FM frequency, with bird noises and train sound effects, the station went to air at 7am.

The Avalanches’ hit ‘Frontier Psychiatrist’ the first song to be played.

The breakfast lineup of David Hughes, Dave O’Neil and Kate Langbroek were ready to roll from Studio 1, and it was Langbroek who uttered the first words on Nova 100: “Are we on yet?”

It was the second of the Nova branded stations, and went to air just eight months after Nova 969 burst on to the Sydney scene. Many agree it was a wild ride that followed.

In 2002, it debuted with a ten share and the #1 FM station in Melbourne by Survey 2. The champagne cork marks can still be seen on the ceiling in the programming area.

Nova 100 also became the station that helped forge careers beyond the broadcasting boundaries of Melbourne. Hughesy & Kate later went national on rival networks.

The Project’s Carrie Bickmore and Australian Ninja Warrior’s Rebecca Maddern started in the Nova 100 newsroom.

Hot Tomato Content Director Brendon ‘Whippy’ Dangar was a foundation member of the on-air team, as was Justin Wilcomes better known as ‘Drex’ to listers across Canada.

Nova 100 has seen its fair share of change over the past 18 years, yet has managed to survive and thrive in a tough and competitive market.

Happy birthday Nova 100.

Comment Form

Your email address will not be published.

Recent comments (4)
Post new comment
Ty Frost
3 Dec 2019 - 1:37 pm

Happy Birthday Nova 100. I’m still in the building 18 years later. Can somebody say security blanket.

Wade Kingsley
3 Dec 2019 - 5:52 pm

A great station, founded on what makes all stations great. Imagination, Passion, Curiosity and Unique people. Willing to try things. Willing to make mistakes. Being different. Thoroughly enjoyed working there. Also insert a Ty Frost joke here.

Ty Frost
3 Dec 2019 - 8:55 pm

Ah Wade, who was my boss twice in my career. At least the second time we parted ways there was a more appropriate way to celebrate the separation.

Wade Kingsley
4 Dec 2019 - 8:46 pm

Ty I absolutely won’t share that story on here. But if anyone wants to know, DM me.

Jobs

See all