Radio 98five Sonshine FM

98.5 Sonshine Fm commenced broadcasting on Australia Day, 1988. There were many challenges, not obstacles, in the establishment of 98 Five, which began thirty years before Sonshine FM first went to air.

The vision of a Christian radio station for Perth began with Stan Drew who ran Christian broadcasting on 6IX in the 1950's. In the 1960's Stan Drew and Rod Harris unsuccessfully attempted to buy commercial radio stations for the purpose of Christian broadcasting. They were supported in prayer by a group of loyal believers, and together they sought the realisation of the vision.

During the 1970's, the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal created a licence for "Public Radio" which increased the hopes of a Christian radio station. Sadly, in 1978, a tribunal hearing denied an application for a Christian licence.

In 1981 an initial test broadcast was conducted over 3 days on the FM band. A second week-long test followed in 1982. Keith Morgan became the first full-time employee of Good News Broadcasters in 1983, and in 1984 a third test broadcast was run. Barry Grosser joined the station in 1985 as Program Director.

The licence for Good News Broadcasters was finally granted in 1987. Premises were purchased after a fundraising drive, which raised $750,000. Sonshine FM went to air in January 1988 and in 1991 commenced broadcasting 24 hours a day. At last, the vision was realised!