Rhema FM began broadcasting as Radio Rhema at 6am Monday 14 March 1994, initially broadcasting on 103.3
FM with a temporary part-time licence. Rhema FM later gained a temporary full-time licence. In 1999 Rhema applied for a permanent licence, but was unsuccessful, with the licence being given to
2TLP The Listening Place, an Indigenous station in nearby
Taree. In 2000 the
Australian Broadcasting Authority, now the
Australian Communications and Media Authority, issued Rhema FM a temporary full-time licence to broadcast on 106.5 FM, a frequency suggested by Rhema FM. Rhema FM hopes to gain a permanent full-time licence, and was given notice that such a licence may become available in 2003.
Rebel Media, operators of
Rebel FM and
The Breeze, objected to the issuing of a third community licence in the Taree area, indicated that it may want to broadcast in the Taree area in the future. ==Name==