ONLINE radio station presenter Mark Boerebach, 43, of Sutherland, has his sights set on a AM radio frequency that has been out of use since 1999.
The only problem is the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has no plans to issue new licences in Sydney.
Mr Boerebach established online radio station 2prfm.com in 2000.
For years he has been lobbying ACMA for a licence to broadcast the station on the FM band to provide employment, entertainment and help for people with a disability.
He recently discovered there has been no activity on the 1386 AM frequency since 1999.
Unfortunately, commercial radio broadcasting licences do not come cheap.
The last commercial FM radio licence available in Sydney sold at auction for $106 million.
Mr Boerebach, who has Asperger's syndrome and is partially blind, has been looking for work since the late 1980s.
"I feel with the radio station I can be with other like-minded people and won't have to worry about losing my job or trying to compete with others who don't understand autism," he said.
In December, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Mr Boerebach that the ACMA must ensure the economic and efficient use of the radio-frequency spectrum as part of its planning functions.
He suggested that Mr Boerebach apply for a community radio broadcasting licence; however, legislation prohibits community radio stations from operating to make a profit.
Mr Boerebach has a talent for instantly recalling hit songs of the 1970s and 1980s and shot to fame on the SBS quiz show Rockwiz.
He was the subject of a documentary, Rainman Goes to Rockwiz.
Details: www.savesydneyradio.com
