SYN Radio

SYN Radio is a community youth station based in Melbourne (Naarm), Victoria, broadcasting across Greater Melbourne on 90.7 FM and digital DAB+. Owned and operated by SYN Media (Student Youth Network Inc.), a non-profit run by volunteers aged 12–25, it launched its full-time FM licence in January 2003. The station broadcasts in English for listeners aged 12 to 25. It plays local indie music and covers student affairs, pop culture, and niche topics.

The schedule features live shows like the Get Cereal breakfast segment, The Hoist, and Amplify. High school and uni hosts present without scripts, which makes the broadcasts sound direct and unpolished. SYN functions as an entry-level media platform where young presenters gain live experience before moving into commercial or public broadcasting. Alumni include Hamish & Andy, Mel Tracina, and Radio Mike.

Music programming focuses on local unsigned acts and Australian tracks. The playlist mixes indie rock, hip-hop, and electronica. Bands in rotation include King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Spacey Jane, and Ball Park Music. SYN also covers local events like the Croxton Block Party.

According to McNair yellowSquares survey data, over 100,000 unique listeners tune in monthly across FM, DAB+, and web streams. Listeners pick SYN to hear local music and subcultures before they reach commercial playlists.

SYN holds multiple CBAA Community Broadcasting Awards, including Excellence in Digital Media (2020) for its Podcast Incubator, Excellence in Training (2018), and Outstanding Volunteer Commitment (2014).

Unlike public stations like triple j or independent stations like 3RRR, SYN runs no commercial ads, limiting sponsorship announcements to 5 minutes per hour. All hosts must leave when they turn 26, so line-ups and show quality change frequently.