2GB SYDNEY

2GB is a commercial radio station in Sydney, Australia, owned by parent company Nine Radio, a division of Nine Entertainment Co., who also own sister station 2UE.

2GB broadcasts on 873 kHz, AM.

In 2024, 2GB held 14% of the total radio ratings share, making it one of the most widely listened-to radio stations in Sydney.

THE HISTORYOF 2GB SYDNEY

2GB commenced intermittent broadcasting in August 1926. The operator, Theosophical Broadcasting Station Pty Ltd, owned by interests associated with the local branch of Theosophical Society Adyar, was granted a radio broadcasting licence for the Sydney area. The initials honour Giordano Bruno. George A. Saunders, previously with 2BL, became 2GB's first station manager and (as "Uncle George") on-air personality in 1927.

2GB became the first Australian station to play transcription records by 1933, holding the world's largest transcribed record library at the time.

The controlling interest in the station was purchased by Denison Estates Ltd in 1936. A new board of directors was appointed under chairman Sir Hugh Denison and included Frederick Daniell and A. E. Bennett, who continued as station manager.

In what radio historian and writer Richard Lane termed "The Golden Age of Australian Radio Drama", Denison and his media adviser Daniell inaugurated the Broadcasting Service Association Players, renamed the Macquarie Players in 1938.

2GB produced local weekly serials such as Dolly and Dan and Doctor Mac, and presented a full-length drama on Sunday afternoons. Writers included John E. C. Appleton, Lynn Foster, E. Mason Wood, William L. Power (who dramatised Helen de Guerry Simpson's Boomerang, a series on "Famous Escapes", and Tales Told to Peter and Pam, a popular children's series), E. V. Timms and Ken Pawley.

Actors included James Raglan, Lou Vernon, Peter Finch, Betty Suttor and Harry Dearth.

The station launched the Macquarie Radio Network, in February 1938, in competition with the Major Network, started by fellow Sydney station 2UE.