Crisis at 2SER: Iconic Sydney Community Radio Station Faces July Closure After Macquarie University Pulls Funding
The station, a cornerstone of Sydney's music and cultural scene for over 40 years, may cease broadcasting as early as July 2024.
Sydney community radio station 2SER (Sydney Educational Radio) is facing a shutdown after Macquarie University, one of its two joint owners, withdrew its funding. The station’s management has confirmed it is actively seeking new university partners and alternative funding models to prevent the closure.
Background and Ownership
Founded in 1979, 2SER is jointly owned by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Macquarie University. The station holds a community radio license with a special interest in education.
- Macquarie University announced it would withdraw its funding this year.
- In October 2023, a Macquarie University spokesperson stated that funding the station "cannot be justified relative to the benefits delivered."
Current Financial Situation
Station manager Cheryl Northey confirmed in an email to volunteers that UTS cannot fund the station alone. The board is exploring options to secure one or more new university partners and is considering alternative long-term funding models. However, efforts to find a new partner have not yet been successful.
"Should the station close this year, which could be as early as July, 2SER must do the right thing by our staff. A decision to close would not be taken lightly, and work is being done to avoid that outcome."
— Cheryl Northey, 2SER Station Manager
"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."
— Dr. Alana Piper, UTS Vice-Chancellor of External Engagement and Partnerships
Broader Sector Context
The financial pressures facing 2SER are part of a wider crisis in community broadcasting.
Jon Bisset, CEO of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), reported that the average community radio station in 2023 had operational costs equal to 103% of station income. He stated that new investments from private and public sources are required for the sector's sustainability.
Bisset emphasized that community radio stations provide social value beyond media career pathways, supporting local musicians, venues, festivals, and community groups.
Station Profile and Listenership
- Approximately 100 volunteers power the station.
- It reports 269,000 monthly listeners.
- The audience includes an over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, and culturally and linguistically diverse listeners compared to general population averages.
- 55-60% of music played on the station is Australian content.
Historical Significance
2SER began broadcasting in 1979 and has a rich history of cultural firsts and talent incubation.
- Launched Sydney's first queer radio program, Gaywaves, in 1979, when homosexual acts were still illegal in New South Wales.
- Provided early airplay for Australian musicians including Courtney Barnett and Gotye.
- Alumni include politician Tanya Plibersek and media personalities Mike Williams, Eleanor Hall, Robbie Buck, and Richard Kingsmill.
Reactions from Industry Figures
-
Robbie Buck, former ABC presenter and 2SER alumnus, called the potential loss a "dire loss" for Sydney, describing the station as a place for people to learn broadcasting and journalism and a vital supporter of local music and artists.
-
Stuart Coupe, 2SER presenter, warned that losing 2SER would mean losing "one of the last giants of community radio in Sydney."