The January 2026 bushfires in regional Victoria caused significant damage to broadcast infrastructure at two sites operated by BAI Communications, formerly Broadcast Australia, at Mount Alexander.
The damage resulted in the loss of FM radio services and free-to-air television services to communities across the region including Castlemaine and other areas in central Victoria.
Power systems and broadcast infrastructure, including emergency backup systems, at both sites were badly damaged, requiring significant repair and rebuild work.
In a BAI Communications update provided in June, the service provider advised that radio services were now operating at effectively normal power and coverage levels for audiences.
However, they confirmed what many local residents were reporting, there were still issues being experienced with digital television signals.
According to BAI Communications, ABC and SBS television services are operating at effectively normal power output and coverage levels for audiences, with all channels available.
Commercial television services are currently operating from a single transmitter at reduced power, with the following channels available: 7, 7 Mate, 9, 9 GEM (WIN), 10 and 10 Comedy.
Additional channels were expected to come online in June 2026.
‘Due to lead times on delivery of an additional transmitter, the complete suite of commercial multi-channels is expected to return at the beginning of 2027,’ the statement reads.
‘Significant remediation works are ongoing and will continue for some time, though these are not expected to disrupt services for audiences.
The transmission site has both mains and redundant power available.’
Audience advice
BAI Communications technicians recommend affected residents check their antenna setup, as those living in some areas may benefit from improving or reorienting receivers to get the best available signal.
“Audiences may also wish to engage a local broadcast technician who can assess their setup and guide them on the best way to tune reception for the strongest possible signal,” they said.