The South Australian Legislative Council has recognised the iconic value of Radio Adelaide, and the vision of the University of Adelaide in establishing Australia’s first community radio station, in a unanimous vote today.
Tammy Franks MLC, from the South Australian Greens, moved to support Radio Adelaide in the Legislative Council this afternoon.
“At a time in which the control of the mainstream media is increasingly concentrated, alternative voices provided by community broadcasters are more important than ever, not just to our democracy, but our cultural fabric,” said Ms Franks. “We cannot afford to lose Radio Adelaide”.
The motion acknowledges the role Radio Adelaide plays in training media and creative professionals of the future and presenting diverse, local content that represents voices often unheard in public debate.
Jing Lee MLC, from the Liberal Party, spoke in favour of the motion:
“As the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs I recognise that Radio Adelaide’s commitment to multiculturalism is a long-term and consistent one.”
“[I] convey my best wishes to Radio Adelaide, and also to the University of Adelaide for working [for] workable, viable options for this radio station to go on.”
Kyam Maher, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, for Automotive Transformation and for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation also supported the motion.
“The diversity that Radio Adelaide has in their programming is crucial to South Australia.”
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition in the past week calling on the University of Adelaide to secure the relocation and future of Radio Adelaide.
Radio Adelaide General Manager Deborah Welch says:
“We thank the Legislative Council for their support and recognition of the important role of Radio Adelaide.”
“Radio Adelaide has been flooded with support from members of the community. We look forward to working with the University to establish a new home for our team of over 400 community members so they can continue to produce diverse, local content on multiple platforms.”
The University of Adelaide’s public consultation about the future of Radio Adelaide closes on Friday, 11 December.
Radio Adelaide urges supporters to address the questions and respond to this important process.
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.