Before there was ‘real’ digital radio, the ABC was broadcasting a new kind of radio station to digital TVs across the country. In 2002, ABC DiG, as it was called at the time, was an automated radio station, more like a jukebox, focusing on a more contemporary Adult Alternative genre. With no presenters, it was just about the music, though was obviously a very low-budget affair.
As the years have gone by, and as digital radio has gained slightly more traction in Australia, the ABC has decided it’s time for a change, so in October 2013 the broadcaster announced that triple j would now manage the station. Now, this wasn’t too out of the ordinary, especially considering DiG was, itself, often compared to a triple j-style station for older listeners.
So it’s only fitting that, after months of industry consultation, from April 30 DiG will become Double J, a callback to the original name of triple j when it launched in Sydney as Double Jay during the 1970s.
While it’s not yet known how the station will operate, Double J will likely not stray too far away from the automation of DiG. Though, as seen with another digital station from the broadcaster, triple j Unearthed, presenters will also take control station throughout the day, meaning there will be a mixture of pure shuffle, 40 years of archival triple j content, new music, and a live or pre-recorded hosting schedule. It will not be broadcast on the FM frequency, but will remain a digital exclusive, with a home on digital TV, the internet, and digital radio (where digital radio is already available). There may be changes to the music content of DiG, though they will likely be minor.
ABC have already announced Myf Warhurst as lunch host, from 11am-3pm, with Warhurst previously being a host at triple j breakfast and also a team captain on ABC TV’s Spicks and Specks. Other hosts are expected to be announced closer to launch. Warhurst will also launch the station from 12pm on April 30, with this broadcast to simulcast on triple j and Double J.
ABC’s Director Of Radio, Kate Dundas, said that the broadcaster recognises that “people want to stay connected to music and discover new artists as they go through life” and that this is “the simple aim of Double J.”