Papua New Guinea’s first private commercial radio station, NauFM, celebrated its 32nd birthday yesterday, Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Launched in 1994 as the flagship station of PNG FM Ltd, NauFM has grown from a Port Moresby pop station into a major nationwide network. Today, it broadcasts on 96.5 FM in the nation's capital and reaches listeners across Lae, Mt Hagen, Goroka, Madang, Rabaul, Kimbe, Kavieng, Buka, and beyond.

The station marked the milestone with a lively outdoor nighttime celebration. Representatives from every department joined PNG FM Chief Executive Officer Esther Gegelagi and senior staff under bright lights in front of a large, illuminated NauFM stage to sing, dance, and celebrate alongside the station's presenters.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Gegelagi thanked the NauFM team for organizing the event and reflected on how the station built its iconic reputation by breaking the mold.

“Normally, NauFM is all about doing something different challenging the status quo, living on the edge, and continuously innovating,” Ms. Gegelagi said.

She fondly recalled the station's early days as “the funky bunch”—a wild crew constantly testing the nerves of bosses and regulators. She noted that the current team has evolved alongside its audience, who grew up listening to classic voices like Shaz, Eddie Webb, Ricky Capow, and Rhoda from Colgate.

“During our times, it was all about radio. It was a one-on-one conversation, and we were a friend to our listeners,” Ms. Gegelagi said. “Today, you have it much harder because of digital transformation. You are not only that one-on-one friend on the airwaves; people now get to see you and your faces.”

She challenged the new generation of presenters to look beyond traditional broadcasting and fully embrace social media, YouTube, and podcasts to grow from radio personalities into dynamic content creators.

“Continue to grow, continue to innovate, and build on your personality,” she urged. “I challenge you over the next five years to set both personal and professional goals, ensuring you are growing and not just doing the same thing year in, year out.”

Ms. Gegelagi closed her address with a message that captured the enduring spirit of NauFM: “Keep continuing to be edgy. Ruffle some feathers. Be nice, don't be vulgar, have fun, and entertain. Happy birthday.”

For 32 years, NauFM has championed a youth-focused, high-energy format featuring the latest international and local hits, Top 40, and hip-hop to connect with young urban listeners across the country. Operating alongside sister stations Yumi FM and Legend FM under PNG FM Ltd—a subsidiary of Communications Fiji Limited—NauFM remains one of Papua New Guinea's most-listened-to radio networks.