ABC closes on Pulse bandwidth

THE FEDERAL Government has moved a step closer to handing the Pulses' 94.7FM bandwidth to ABC radio.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority yesterday asked for written submissions from the general public into their proposal to take the bandwidth transmitted from Murradoc Hill.

Popular community radio station the Pulse already holds the bandwidth and is expected to receive hefty compensation should it be shifted.

Under the move the Pulse would be shifted on a temporary licence to 91.9FM. Diversitat chief executive Michael Martinez, who oversees the popular community broadcaster, earlier this month said the station should be compensated if it lost its place on the dial.

"The (federal communications) minister Stephen Conroy has told us he technically can't intervene in the decision, so we want the Australian Communications and Media Authority to move on it quickly," Mr Martinez said. He said the decision was expected sometime next month.

The media authority is also looking at shifting Colac's 30CR radio station would also be shifted from its 104.7FM frequency under the move. 30CR would be moved to 98.3FM.