Ever wondered how Papua New Guinea gets its voice? That voice is the NBC Radio Station. It stands as Papua New Guinea’s state-owned broadcaster. Its story began long before PNG’s independence. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation provided radio services. In 1973, as PNG achieved self-government, the ABC transferred its radio operations. This transfer birthed the National Broadcasting Commission, which later became the NBC Radio Station in 1994.
NBC Radio Station isn’t just one station. It is two national radio stations and one television station. The radio stations are NBC Radio on 90.7 FM and Tribe 92FM on 92.3 FM. The television station is NBC TV. NBC’s head office is in Boroko, Port Moresby. It also has approximately 20 locations around the country.
NBC Radio is the heart of the NBC PNG. Its main station broadcasts on 90.7 FM and 585 MW on the AM band. Weekday programming is diverse. “Morning Tru” starts the day from 5:00 to 9:00. Dabai fills the 9:00 to 12:00 slot. “Malolo” takes over from 12:00 to 15:00. “Pacific Beat” follows from 15:00 to 16:00. “Wokabaut” is relayed. “Hanuaboi” airs from 16:00 to 19:00. “Hanuaboi” airs from 19:00 to 23:00.
Tribe 92FM targets a younger audience. It plays music and hosts talks relevant to youth. Tribe began as a Saturday night segment on NBC Radio in 2008. It addressed issues and trending topics for young Papua New Guineans. In August 2015, Tribe became a full-fledged radio station. New presenters joined, bringing fresh voices. Weekday programming includes “G.M.T. (Good Morning Tribe)” from 6:00 to 10:00. “Midday’s” airs from 10:00 to 14:00. “Lekfaia Drive” follows from 14:00 to 18:00. “Tribe ‘By Demand'” ends the day from 19:00 to 00:00.
NBC Radio extends its reach through provincial radio stations. These stations include Radio New Ireland, Radio Chimbu, and Radio Enga. They also include Radio Southern Highlands and Radio Sandaun. Radio Central and Radio Gulf are also part of the network. Radio Western and Radio Northern serve their regions. Radio Morobe and Radio Milne Bay connect with listeners. Radio Eastern Highlands and Radio Western Highlands keep communities informed. Radio Manus, Radio East Britain, and Radio West New Britain are vital links. Radio Bougainville completes the provincial network.
NBC Television, formerly Kundu 2, launched on September 16, 2008. It serves as a platform for the National Government. It provides information services to Papua New Guineans.
NBC Radio Station has been Papua New Guinea’s national broadcaster for 50 years. It delivers programs that enrich, inform, and entertain. It reflects national identity and gives voice to the people since 1973. The station operates online, with a website launched in 2023 and a presence on social media.
Located on Burns Peak, NBC Radio broadcasts across Port Moresby. The station continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of Papua New Guinea. It remains a trusted source of news, information, and entertainment.