The Hit Network was formed in 1986 as the Austereo Network after Austereo, the licensee of Adelaide commercial radio station SAFM, purchased Fox FM in Melbourne. The network grew throughout the late 1980s and the 1990s, acquiring B105 Brisbane, 2Day FM Sydney and PMFM Perth, as well as establishing joint-venture stations in Canberra and Newcastle. The network would later become known as the Today Network, with stations adopting a contemporary hit radio music format.
In October 2014, Southern Cross Austereo announced it would relaunch SAFM in Adelaide as Hit 107,[1] with a staggered network-wide relaunch announced in December.[2] On 14 January 2015, the network was relaunched as Today's Hit Network, with the relaunch extending to Canberra in January 2016.[3]Sea FM Hobart was relaunched as Hit100.9 in February,[4] with the remaining network stations adopting the Hit Network branding as part of a national brand consolidation in December.[5]
On 27 July 2020, the Hit Network was relaunched, adopting a new logo and "pop-based" music format in an attempt to target a 30–54 year old audience.[6] In addition, Hit 105 Brisbane and Hit 107 Adelaide reverted to their heritage brands B105 and SAFM respectively. On 20 August 2020, Southern Cross Austereo announced the network would introduce statewide networked breakfast programs in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, replacing 19 local shows.[7][8]
On 1 December 2020, Mix 94.5 Perth switched affiliation from the Triple M network to the Hit Network, with Hit92.9 relaunching as 92.9 Triple M.[9]
Stations
As of 1 December 2023[update], the Hit Network consists of 41 FM radio stations.
Formerly known as: – Easy 80s Hits [2020–2023] – Easy Hits Radio (Easy listening music from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s) [2016–2020] – Stardust Radio (Soft pop, jazz standards, beautiful music from the 1950s, 1960s) [2012–2016] Easy Hits was moved to the LiSNTR internet radio platform.
Formerly known as: – Oldskool Hits Radio (Hot adult contemporary music from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s) [2016–2020] – More Digital (Music from the 1980s, 1990s) [2015–2016] – Loveland Radio (Love songs from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s) [2012–2015]
The Hit Network launched Caravan Radio on 24 May 2010. It was a "pop up" Digital Radio station that played the best bits from Hamish & Andy's Caravan of Courage journeys while they toured the United Kingdom on their fourth Caravan of Courage.[11]