an end in July 1989, due to the opening of Newcastle's first FM station, New FM, which was taking listeners away from 2NX, and as a result, 2NX changed formats to compete. 1990s-2021 - Independence and expansion In the early 1990s, the station was sold to Grant Broadcasters, and moved to new studios in Muswellbrook. It is a breeding ground for young radio talent, names to come out of 2NM include: Brendan Jones 4MMM, 2MMM, and breakfast "Jonesy and Amanda" WSFM, Jamie Angel 2MMM Content director and Paul "The bull" Stanley. In the mid-1990s, the station opened a supplementary FM station, Power FM, on 98.1 kHz (coincidentally sharing the same numbers in its frequency as 2NM), which lead to 2NM focusing on an older demographic. In 2009, the station began an online stream of its programming, along with sister station Power FM. 2021-present - New ownership under ARN In November 2021, 2NM, along with other stations owned by Grant Broadcasters, were acquired by the Australian Radio Network. This deal will allow Grant's stations, including 2NM, to access ARN's iHeartRadio platform in regional areas. The deal was finalized on January 4, 2022. It is expected 2NM will integrate with ARN's Pure Gold Network, but will retain its current name according to the press release from ARN. Programming Weekend programming includes local breakfast, Between The Posts on Saturday morning, Syndicated programming aired over the weekend includes 2GB's Continuous Call Team during the National Rugby League season, on Sunday nights 20/20 Retro Countdown. Network news and national rural news are taken on relay from 2UE Sydney, although 2NM takes Macquarie National News during its NRL coverage. Coverage Area 2NM's primary coverage area is the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, with its 5 kilowatt transmitter serving the shires of Muswellbrook, Singleton and the Upper Hunter Shire and surrounding areas. The signal reaches as far east as Maitland, and was even promoted as an alternative source of rugby league coverage by 2GB when former affiliate 2HD dropped the Continuous Call Team program in 2006. Even a local resident, "Elsie", had her transistor radio hooked up to receive 2NM by 2GB technical staff in a stunt run that year. Those involved in distance reception of radio signals often note the ability of 2NM's signal to travel long distances in favourable conditions, with reports of reception in New Zealand (blocking out state radio services on