Radio Adelaide campaign gains widespread support

South Australians from all walks of life are speaking up to Save Radio Adelaide.
 

Artists, social service providers, media makers and politicians on all sides have given support. 

Rachel Sanderson, Liberal MP and Radio Adelaide’s local representative, says, “It’s important for those volunteers who obviously enjoy being at Radio Adelaide and being a part of a really good community radio station. That should continue into the future, as it is important for their wellbeing as well as for the community.” 

John Gazzola, Labor MLC is also passionate about securing Radio Adelaide’s future, “Community broadcasters such as Radio Adelaide present the only real opportunity for young people to gain the necessary skills to carve out careers in the broadcast media. I fully support Radio Adelaide’s campaign to urge the University to commit to a three-to-five year staged transition to an independent organisation in a new location.”

Tammy Franks, Greens MLC, has thrown her support behind the station, giving notice of a motion in the South Australian Legislative Council in support of the station. “I’ve been talking on Radio Adelaide on various shows since I was in my early 20’s and I’ve known lots of people who have come through the system. I think it’s a great source of alternative views and great music.” 

In less than three days more than 3600 supporters have already signed the station’s petition, asking the University of Adelaide to secure the stations’ future. And a broad coalition of support is also emerging from key organisations in South Australia.

SACOSS was dismayed to learn that Radio Adelaide’s future is in jeopardy.  No doubt South Australians concerned about poverty, inequity or injustice and who have connected to our broadcasts through Radio Adelaide will be equally concerned,” says SACOSS Executive Director, Ross Womersley.

Radio Adelaide is one of the few vehicles where it’s been possible to develop a more detailed public discussion about social issues in this state, and SACOSS calls on the University of Adelaide to ensure Radio Adelaide has a bright future.”

Adelaide’s arts community is standing with Radio Adelaide, including the Adelaide Festival Artistic Director David Sefton: 

We’ve always had a fantastic relationship between the festival and the station and I can’t imagine doing the festival without Radio Adelaide as a partner. The idea of an Adelaide without Radio Adelaide is completely unthinkable.

The union movement is solidly behind the station.

Radio Adelaide has given thousands of ordinary South Australians the opportunity to tell their stories,” says SA Unions  Secretary, Joe Szakacs. 

With the major media outlets shrinking – and the worrying loss of jobs and independence in the mainstream media – it’s more important than ever to have this independent voice on our airwaves.”

The Radio Adelaide community is calling for the University of Adelaide to commit funding for the relocation of this iconic station and to secure its long-term future. This will ensure the vibrant community station can secure new funding partners and carry on broadcasting diverse, independent content on FM and digital radio and online into the future.

“We’ve been flooded with wonderful stories and statements of support,” says Station Manager Deborah Welch. 

“We urge community members to respond to the University’s call for submissions and to make their voices heard.”
 

To read the University’s discussion paper please visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/infrastructure/projects/current/radio/
 
Or visit www.saveradioadelaide.org where you can also submit your views and sign our petition.

Read More…

Radio Adelaide calls for public support

Future of Radio Adelaide in question

 

 

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