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Owen Fisher has been a volunteer with 2MBS Fine Music Sydney since January 1975, just weeks after the station’s launch.
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He started by helping with practical tasks like painting, carpentry, and delivering program guides to over 25 postcodes.
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In 1977, he made his broadcasting debut with a tribute program, and soon after began producing his own themed series’.
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Owen built a home studio during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep broadcasting uninterrupted.
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His car has proudly carried the number plate MBS-102 – a nod to the station – since the 1970s.
The full story
In 2024, 2MBS Fine Music Sydney celebrated 50 years as one of Australia’s earliest FM broadcasters. Established in 1974, 2MBS was the first station in the country to offer stereo FM transmission, and today it continues to offer classical, jazz and specialist music programming. Operated primarily by volunteers and supported by listeners, it remains an important example of the community broadcasting model in action.
Among those who have shaped 2MBS over the years is long-time volunteer and presenter Owen Fisher. A subscriber and contributor for around 50 years, Owen has presented more than 1,000 episodes over nearly five decades, including his well-known series Music That’s Band.
Owen’s connection to radio began in the 1960s when he purchased a portable Sony radio equipped with an FM band, long before FM broadcasting had launched. When news broke that Sydney’s first FM station was seeking volunteers, Owen responded immediately.
“Within a day I was up there and became a subscriber from day one,” he recalls.
In the early years, Owen supported the station through manual work – installing blinds, painting studios and delivering program guides across more than 25 postcode areas. His first broadcast aired in 1977, a tribute to the pianist Gerald Moore. That began a string of themed programs such as Handel With Care, Anyone for Tenors?, and Bach to Front, which paired authentic works by Bach with modern transcriptions.
In 1980, Owen launched a brass band music series originally titled Banned Music for the Censors. It was renamed Music That’s Band in 1982 and continues to air today. Drawing from his personal collection of vinyl records and CDs, Owen curates each episode with attention to variety and historical context.
Balancing volunteer work with professional life – as a hardware store owner and later a handyman – was made possible by flexible scheduling and a commitment to programming from home.
“It is very time consuming, but a busy person can usually squeeze in extra labour,” he says.
What has kept him involved all these years?
“2MBS is unique in Sydney radio—minimal advertising and the ability to play long works without interruption. The volunteer presenters bring knowledgeable introductions and a strong respect for the music.”
Owen also sees community broadcasting more broadly as offering distinct value.
“The specialty of 2MBS is likewise describing community radio in general.”
Looking ahead, he remains confident in the station’s direction.
“Judging by the quality of presenters and the constant introduction of new blood, I can foresee a long future—with, I hope, no ending.”
From his program delivery runs in Strathfield to the personalised number plate MBS-102 he has carried across six vehicles, Owen Fisher’s long-standing commitment to 2MBS reflects the dedication that supports community broadcasting across Australia.
