Beloved Sydney community radio station 2SER may have only limited airtime left, with fears the broadcaster could close by July due to the cessation of vital funding.
As the Sydney Morning Herald reports, staff at the station – which broadcasts from the premises of University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – were informed on Tuesday that they had been unable to replace the funding which had been previously provided by co-owner Macquarie University.
Macquarie University announced the termination of its funding last year, with a spokesperson claiming the decision “aligns with the University’s responsibility to balance its core missions of education and research with long-term financial sustainability.”
As the ABC noted, station manager Cheryl Northey sent an email to volunteers this week, outlining the fact that UTS would be unable to provide sole funding for the broadcaster, meaning that the station could close within a matter of months if they were unable to make up the shortfall.
"Should the station close this year, which could be as early as July, 2SER must do the right thing by our staff,” Northey wrote in the email. “A decision to close would not be taken lightly, and work is being done to avoid that outcome.
"Since Macquarie's announcement, the board and I have explored the option of securing one or more new university partners.
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"Through this process, it has become clear that we now need to carefully consider alternative long-term models that could provide the stability the station needs,” she added.
As the Sydney Morning Herald notes, a statement provided by UTS points out that the University remains committed to providing support to the station, but only at its current level.
“We’re working closely with the 2SER leadership to help secure another partner to replace Macquarie and ensure the necessary governance and financial partnership support continues,” said UTS vice-chancellor of external engagement and partnerships Alana Piper.
“Whilst efforts to find a partner have not yet been successful, we are hopeful that other universities that share a commitment to student learning and community engagement may step in to support 2SER.
The Music have reached out to 2SER for comment but have not heard back as yet.
2SER was founded by UTS and Macquarie University and began broadcasting on October 1st, 1979, carving out a reputation as an influential presence on the Sydney airwaves over the coming decades.
A number of prominent broadcasters have previously volunteered at 2SER across its lifetime, including former triple j broadcasters Richard Kingsmill, Robbie Buck, Tracee Hutchison, and Helen Razer, in addition to other noted figures, including journalist and artist manager Stuart Coupe, and politician Tanya Plibersek.
A post shared on Instagram by 2SER, while not explicitly acknowledging the situation, has attracted numerous comments and messages of support from many musicians and supporters of the station.
