The community radio station 2SER in Sydney has informed its volunteers that it may face closure by July, following the decision of Macquarie University to withdraw its financial support last year. This potential shutdown has raised concerns among station alumni, who believe it would severely impact Sydney’s cultural landscape.
2SER, which is officially known as Sydney Educational Radio, is jointly owned by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Macquarie University. The latter’s withdrawal of funding has created a significant financial gap that the station is currently attempting to address. In a communication to volunteers, 2SER’s station manager Cheryl Northey acknowledged that UTS could not sustain the station’s operations independently.
Northey emphasized the station’s commitment to avoiding closure, highlighting the urgent need to compensate for the funding shortfall left by Macquarie’s exit. She stated, “If we must close this year, possibly as soon as July, it is imperative that we treat our staff appropriately. Any decision regarding closure will be made with careful consideration, and efforts are underway to prevent that scenario.” She also noted that the board is exploring potential partnerships with other universities.
UTS’s vice-chancellor for external engagement and partnerships, Alana Piper, confirmed that the university is collaborating with 2SER to identify a new partner to replace Macquarie. Although no partner has been secured yet, Dr. Piper expressed optimism that other universities committed to student education and community engagement might step forward to assist. She reaffirmed UTS’s support for the management team in seeking long-term solutions for the station.
In October of the previous year, a representative from Macquarie University stated that their financial backing for the station could no longer be justified considering the perceived benefits.
Established in 1979 by UTS and Macquarie University, 2SER holds a community radio licence that emphasizes educational content. The potential closure of the station has been described as a “devastating loss” by former ABC radio presenter Robbie Buck, who began his career at 2SER. He remarked that the station is vital for cultivating future media professionals and enriching Sydney’s cultural scene.
Buck is among numerous former 2SER staff who have signed a letter urging the board to address the financial issues. Stuart Coupe, who has hosted a nationally syndicated music show on 2SER for 16 years, lamented that losing the station would mean the disappearance of one of Sydney’s prominent community radio voices. “Many listeners rely on 2SER as their primary station,” Coupe stated. “The loss of such an influential community broadcaster would be catastrophic.”
2SER made its debut in 1979 with the track “The Good Times Are Coming” by Cass Elliot. The station has been known for pioneering programs, such as Sydney’s first queer radio show, Gaywaves, which provided a platform for LGBTQ+ issues during a time when homosexuality was criminalized in New South Wales.
Over the years, 2SER has significantly contributed to the careers of many local musicians, boasting that 55-60% of its music is Australian. The station has been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Courtney Barnett and Gotye. Additionally, it has been a starting point for various media personalities and politicians, including Tanya Plibersek, Mike Williams, Eleanor Hall, and Richard Kingsmill.
Keith Jackson, the founding station manager, recounted starting 2SER as a manageable task, emphasizing the commitment of volunteers and the importance of quality programming. “Our mission was clear: to establish a successful station with a vibrant volunteer base and to ensure the academic community contributed valuable content,” Jackson reflected in a podcast celebrating the station’s 40th anniversary.
