Good radio reception is dependent on signal strength and the type of radio receiver and antenna used by the listener. Signal strength can vary greatly with the distance from the radio transmitter and in different environments such as built up, wooded or hilly areas.

Reception quality changes significantly between small portable radios and high fidelity tuner and speaker systems.

The radio antenna is the most important factor in achieving good reception. Many radio reception difficulties are caused by deficiencies in the radio or antenna installation. Interference or obstruction of a radio signal to the antenna should be kept to a minimum. The antenna should be placed away from electrical devices such as computers, refrigerators, power tools or wiring. The antenna should point in the direction of the transmitter and be positioned to minimise the effect of obstructions such as trees and buildings.

For the best possible reception, particularly for FM radio, your antenna should be mounted outside and look similar to a TV antenna.

FM Radio

Listeners should first check the radio station’s current Maintenance Works for the transmitter network, to see if there are any repairs being completed in their area which may cause temporary disruption to their reception of radio services. Listeners still experiencing FM reception problems should then check to see if their radio and antenna are operating correctly:

• Make sure the antenna is suitable for receiving FM radio and is pointing in the direction of the appropriate radio transmitter. Check that the antenna cable and connections are in good condition.
• If possible swap another radio for the affected one. If the radio reception improves, there is likely to be an equipment problem with the first radio - check the antenna.
• Sometimes the TV antenna is used for both the TV and FM radio. If this is the case, remove the TV connection, leaving only the direct cable between the antenna and radio.

Listeners should also note that FM radio signals travel in almost straight lines and are unable to travel over or penetrate large obstructions, consequently parts of a coverage area may have a weak signal particularly in hilly terrain or highly built up urban areas.

AM Radio

Listeners should first check the radio station’s current Maintenance Works for the transmitter network, to see if there are any repairs being completed in their area which may cause temporary disruption to reception of radio services.

AM broadcasts can be susceptible to the high levels of electrical interference in built up areas caused by utilities such as street lamps, power lines or railway lines. AM radio reception can also be susceptible to interference from a wide variety of household electrical appliances including refrigerators, hair dryers, power tools and even electric razors.

AM radio reception can vary from day to night. At night, in certain weather conditions, it is not uncommon for fortuitous AM broadcasts to be received thousands of kilometres away - we have had plenty of reports of our services reaching Melbourne, Adelaide and even New Zealand. However, night time reception is variable, prone to interference and the actual planned coverage area will reduce. During the day, reception of AM services is less susceptible to interference and the planned coverage area is greater. Listeners experiencing reception problems with AM Radio, should first check the following:

• Make sure the radio is tuned into a local station so that it is receiving a strong signal.
• If possible use batteries instead of mains power, or substitute the affected radio with a battery operated one.
• If the battery operated radio reception is good, interference could be caused by the mains power - check the power cord is well insulated.
• If both radios are affected, the problem is likely to be electrical interference to the antenna, caused by a nearby electrical appliance. Try switching off all electrical appliances one by one or moving the radio to identify what is causing the problem.
• Sometimes the interference will remain - even when the mains power switch is off. This often means the interference is coming from a nearby house. If neighbours are also affected, they should follow the same procedure to help isolate the problem.

Listeners who continue to experience electrical interference to their radio reception may want to contact a local electrician or technician who can recommend a suitable mains filter to reduce the problem.

AM interference can also be caused by nearby power lines, particularly if they are not regularly maintained. If you think this is the case, contact the local electricity supply authority listed in the White Pages.