The Future of 2SER Hangs in the Balance
One of Sydney’s most iconic community radio stations, 2SER, faces an uncertain future as it grapples with a significant funding shortfall. The station, which has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and educational landscape for over four decades, could be forced to close as early as July if a solution is not found.
The financial crisis stems from the withdrawal of one of its key financial backers, Macquarie University, which announced it would no longer fund the station this year. As a result, 2SER, which is jointly owned by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Macquarie University, is now under pressure to secure alternative funding sources.
In an internal email shared with volunteers, 2SER station manager Cheryl Northey acknowledged the challenges the station faces. She emphasized that while UTS cannot cover the full cost alone, the team is working tirelessly to avoid closure.
“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,” Ms Northey said.
The station has explored the possibility of finding new university partners but has yet to secure any commitments. This has led to calls for a reevaluation of long-term models that can provide greater stability.
UTS vice-chancellor of external engagement and partnerships, Alana Piper, expressed hope that other universities may step in to support 2SER. “We are hopeful that other universities that share a commitment to student learning and community engagement may step in,” she said.
A Cultural and Educational Loss
The potential closure of 2SER has sparked concern among media professionals and community members alike. Former ABC presenter Robbie Buck, who began his career at 2SER, described the loss as devastating for both future media professionals and Sydney’s cultural identity.
“It would be a dire loss for the city of Sydney for a cultural icon like 2SER to be closed through a lack of funding from UTS,” Mr Buck said. He highlighted the station’s role in providing training and opportunities for aspiring broadcasters, as well as supporting local music and artists.
Dozens of 2SER alumni have written a joint letter urging the board to act quickly to address the financial shortfall. Among them is Stuart Coupe, who has hosted a nationally syndicated music program on 2SER for 16 years. He called the station one of the last giants of community radio in Sydney.
“There are a lot of people I know who they just listen to 2SER — that’s their radio station,” Mr Coupe said. “To lose one of the dominant voices in community radio would be, you know, absolutely terrible.”
Broader Challenges in Community Radio
Financial instability is not unique to 2SER. Jon Bisset, CEO of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), noted that the sector is facing widespread challenges. “The average community radio station last year had an operational cost equal to 103 per cent of station income,” he said. “That is clearly not sustainable.”
Mr Bisset emphasized the broader social value of community radio, which goes beyond just media careers. “If 2SER were to fall over, the loss would be felt not just by the universities and their students but more broadly by local musicians, local venues and festivals. By community groups and local services.”
With 269,000 monthly listeners, 2SER serves a diverse audience, including a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) listeners. “New investments from private and public sources are required to secure the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s largest and most diverse independent media sector,” Mr Bisset added.
A Legacy of Innovation and Support
Since its launch in 1979, 2SER has played a pivotal role in shaping Sydney’s media and cultural scene. Its first broadcast featured The Good Times Are Coming by Cass Elliot, setting the tone for a station that would become known for its groundbreaking programs.
One of the station’s most notable contributions was the creation of Gaywaves, Sydney’s first queer radio program. Launched in 1979, when homosexual acts were still illegal in NSW, Gaywaves provided a vital platform for the queer community to discuss issues affecting their lives.
“We felt there were issues relevant to gays and lesbians as a single group of people and then specific issues for lesbians and gay men within that community,” said Gaywaves co-founder Susan Hawkewood.
2SER has also been instrumental in supporting local musicians, with 55-60% of the music played on the station being Australian. It helped launch the careers of many notable artists, including Courtney Barrnet and Gotye.
In addition to music, the station has nurtured the careers of prominent figures in politics and media, such as Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek, head of entertainment and culture podcasts at LiSTNR Mike Williams, and ABC’s World Today presenter Eleanor Hall.
As 2SER faces an uncertain future, its legacy remains a testament to the power of community radio in fostering creativity, diversity, and connection. The question now is whether it can find a way to continue its important work in the years to come.
