Broadcasting in both Mandarin and Cantonese on 91.5FM, the station will celebrate the upcoming Moon Festival and will be managed by the China Radio Network.  The Broadcast has started and runs for a full month, ending on the date of the festival – Sunday October 4.

The mid-Autumn festival, also known as the Moon Festival is the second most important event in the Chinese calendar after Chinese New Year.

Traditionally, the Autumn Moon festival brings Chinese families together to admire the bright moon and to eat mooncakes, the traditional food of the occasion. Chinese communities in Sydney will enjoy several high profile events in the lead up to the Autumn Moon festival – Kogarah Council hosts the annual Jadeworld Carnival on September 12, and a major celebration in Cabramatta on the 27^th of September in Cabramatta is expected to attract 70,000 people.

Speaking at the launch of the new station, Tommy Jiang, Managing Director of the Austar group said: China Radio FM 88 Canberra will play a key role in enhancing friendship and understanding between Australia and China. 50% of the content will be in English, an innovative format that is a first for Australia

Lively Chinese teaching programs will introduce non-Chinese speakers to the basics of the Chinese language, while entertainment and news in Chinese will cater for the local Chinese community, said Jiang.

More than 10,000 Canberrans are of Chinese heritage, with 7000+ speaking a Chinese language in the home (ABS Census, 2006). Canberra is also a busy destination for Chinese politicians and diplomats, and home to a great many Chinese-speaking tertiary students.

As a commercial broadcaster operating 24/7, Chinese Radio Canberra will be an excellent vehicle for advertisers wishing to target Chinese speakers and those interested in China, in the ACT.  Specialist media representative Spots & Space Pty Ltd will represent the station for advertising sales.

The new station joins a growing network of Chinese media operated by Austar Media including:

*  Newspapers: “Asian Voice Weekly” (VIC) and  “Oriental Post” (WA)
*  Chinese Radio Stations: 3CW AM 1341 Melbourne, CRI Perth FM 104.0FM