Precision Under Pressure: How PBS Delivered Nova 919's High-Tech Studio Upgrade
20-year studio upgrade to modern standard
Zero disruption to live radio operations
Complex project delivered to client satisfaction
Nova 919
Project: Nova 919 Studio Refurbishment
Project Size: 90sqm across 4 studios over 2 levels
Project Type: Broadcast Media Facility Upgrade
The Brief: Modernising for the Podcast Era
Nova 919, one of Adelaide's premier commercial radio stations, needed to transform their aging broadcast facilities to meet the demands of modern media.
With the explosive growth of podcasting, their 20-year-old studios were no longer adequate for contemporary content creation and broadcast requirements.
The Challenge: Technical Precision in a Live Environment
The challenge was significant: completely refurbish four studios across two levels while maintaining daily broadcast operations.
Every element - from acoustic panels to equipment positioning - required millimetre-perfect precision to ensure optimal audio and visual quality.
PBS faced several demanding requirements:
- Working around live broadcasts, including hourly news bulletins requiring complete silence
- Installing broadcast equipment to millimetre-perfect specifications
- Managing work in extremely tight studio spaces with minimal storage areas
- Meeting the exacting finish standards of a professional media client
As Mark Shepheard from Graham Nicolas, the national project management firm overseeing the upgrade, notes: "The client knew exactly want they wanted and required a very precise finished product.”
PBS's Approach: Adapting to Complex Demands
PBS demonstrated their capability to handle demanding, high-stakes projects through careful planning and responsive problem-solving.
The team completely stripped and refitted Studios 2 and 4 with new acoustic panels and black ceiling grids, while refreshing all four studios with new carpeting and glazing film.
Technical upgrades included new lighting, power, security systems, and structured cabling throughout. Custom joinery and precision lightbox installations completed the transformation, with PBS working collaboratively to navigate changing requirements and technical complexities as they arose.
The Result: Modern Media Production Environment
The refurbished studios now provide Nova 919 with cutting-edge broadcast capabilities perfectly suited to both traditional radio and modern podcast production. Each studio features precisely positioned equipment installations and enhanced acoustic treatments that ensure optimal performance from all broadcast equipment.
The modernised facilities position the station to capitalise on new content opportunities while maintaining their established radio programming excellence, enabling them to compete effectively in the evolving media landscape.
Why It Worked: PBS's Problem-Solving Approach
PBS's success on this technically demanding project came down to four key factors:
- Adaptability: Flexibility to work within the constraints of a live broadcast environment
- Technical Precision: Capability to deliver millimetre-accurate installations for sensitive equipment
- Client Focus: Commitment to meeting exacting standards despite project complexities
- Problem-Solving: Willingness to address challenges and ensure client satisfaction
PBS worked well with the client around their operational needs - they had to be quiet during news bulletins every hour, and they managed that perfectly. The client is very satisfied with the end result. PBS genuinely cares and will do what they can to make sure the client's happy at the end of the day.