In the 1970s, activists in Queensland were pivotal in establishing Australian community radio amidst a conservative political climate.

Founders included activist, Jim Beatson, journalist Marian Wilkinson, Arts Administrator, John Stanwell and academic Alan Knight.

Announcer John Woods launched the station with The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" at Midday 8 December 1975 (a month after The Dismissal).

On 30 November 1978, the transmitter moved from the University of Queensland student union building to Mount Coot-tha when the station was granted a full licence.

4ZZZ successfully defended themselves, leading to changes which make it legal to swear on Australian TV and radio under certain circumstances.

[7][8] On 14 December 1988, as part of a conservative backlash to the ousting of Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, 4ZZZ was taken off air and forcibly evicted from its University of Queensland premises by the then UQ Union ALSF and Young Nationals student union executive, led by Victoria Brazil.

[9] While university students rallied to support the station, 4ZZZ moved to alternative premises on Coronation Drive in the suburb of Toowong.

- Power pop & rock and roll with Robert Wildcard - Morning comedy and performing arts program with Orlando Furious & Chachie Dark Essence - Electric and Industrial music with Josh Electric Crush - Underground electronic music with Nam-Shub, Kamu, Rob & Orthotyp-a Goldilocks Folk - Folk, acoustic, blues, roots, reggae, country, Americana, funk & groove with Tina The Jazz Show - Classic and modern jazz with Don, Knox and Andrew The New Zealand Show - New Zealand based bands and artists with Lindsay, Bernie and Jeff Nothin But The Blues - US and local blues with Lynne and Jules 4ZZZ Punk Show- Classic and new punk including pop, garage, street, hardcore, crust, powerviolence and grind with Nel, Josh, Steph and the Punk Show Collective SkaTrek - Ska Music and related genres with the SkaTrek Crew Brisbane Line - 4ZZZ's Flagship News and Current Affairs Show Eco Radio - Sustainability, environment, non-violence and wildlife show with Dave, Issy & Zack.

Megaherzzz - Feminist Show with Sarah & Denise Only Human - Disabled led community radio highlighting disability and social justice issues with Belle, SteveK, Brody, MC Chosen & Nate Paradigm Shift - Political alternative, protest, justice, solidarity and sustainability topics with Andy The Pineapple Rebellion - State Politics, Local Politics and activism from here and around the country with Alexis and Izrin Radio Reversal - modern academic, political and sociological analysis of societal issues with Shreya, Anna, Natalie, Han, Lamisse, Aleea and Helen Dykes on Mykes - General News, Views, music and fun produced for the queer and lesbian community in Brisbane with Ruth, Kate, Bec Film Club - Lively discussions about new cinema releases, interviews, guests, plus the latest film-related events with Garry, Gabrielle, Hannah, Adam, Sally and Peter Indigi-Briz- Indigenous Interviews and yarns, deadly discussions, community announcements and alternative news with DJ J4H (Jarra) Locked In (Prisoners' Request Show) - A program that focuses on people that are currently in jail in QLD who write into our show to have personal messages and song requests played on air each week with the Locked In Crew Queer Radio - The world's longest continuously running diverse in gender & sexuality radio show with Blair, Brody & Jack World Beat - Traditional music from international artists and bands with Rick and Garry The Hot 100 is broadcast New Years Day from Midday to approx 8 pm.

Fundraising events include: Cybernana Market day was held on 19 October 1996 in Musgrave Park, West End.

Crowds sheltering in tents were physically forced from the park, people attending the event were beaten with batons and arrested.