The station began broadcasting as 5MG in 1955, with a single transmitter which could only serve listeners in the Mount Gambier region. The first "broadcast" was on September 8 with a performance from the Mount Gambier Choral Society, broadcast from the Civic Hall.
In 1956, a second, better transmitter (5PA) was built 50 kilometres north of the town of Penola. This meant that more people could be reached in the region. The transmitter in the years to come was modified and relocated to the town of Nararcoote, which resulted in Mid and Upper South East residents being able to listen to 5MG.
The station's studios on 31 Penola Road were opened in the late 1950s, and were upgraded in 2006 to digital equipment, just a few years behind ABC Riverland.
Local Programming
ABC South East carries three local programs throughout the week.
Breakfast with Selina Green – 6:35am to 10:00am
South East SA Rural Report with Bridget Herrmann – 6:15am to 6:30am
Saturday Breakfast with Rod Sparks – 6:30am to 8:30am
When local programs are not broadcast the station is a relay of ABC Radio Adelaide.
Staff
As of 2021, there are a total of ten full-time staff and several casuals at ABC South East SA.