Save Radio Adelaide

UPDATE 9/12

SA Parliament passes motion to support Radio Adelaide

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.”

Check out some coverage of the #saveradad campaign:

• Greg Barila: 'Why community radio is worth fighting for' Adelaide Now

• Natasha Stott Despoja: 'losing Radio Adelaide would be a travesty' Adelaide Now

• 'Fight to save Radio Adelaide gathers momentum' Adelaide Now

• 'Radio Rally' ABC

The Radio Adelaide Facebook Page features ongoing media updates and messages of support.

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. Find out more and show your support here.

Radio Adelaide's future is in question following the release of a discussion paper by the University of Adelaide yesterday.

The station's statement in full is below.

CBAA Chief Executive Officer Jon Bisset has spoken out in support of the station:

"Radio Adelaide was a foundation community radio station, and today continues as a cornerstone in training for the sector and the production of popular and innovative content. The future of community radio in South Australia needs a strong Radio Adelaide, and we urge the University to ensure that the station continues to provide these valuable services to the University and wider community into the future."

Save Radio Adelaide

The future of Radio Adelaide is on the line.

Radio Adelaide, Australia’s longest running community radio station, is calling upon supporters to speak out, before it’s too late.

The University of Adelaide sold Radio Adelaide’s home at 228 North Terrace to help fund its new Medical School.  It was a choice made a year ago in full knowledge of the implications for the station, and it came with a commitment to relocate Radio Adelaide.

After 12 months of review and costings, time is running out to relocate Radio Adelaide before 228 North Terrace is demolished.

A decision, and funds commitment was expected in November, but instead the University has opened another brief consultation period that pushes a decision closer to Christmas. The station community is concerned that this is a precursor to shutting the station down.

The University review of Radio Adelaide outlines five options for the future.  Radio Adelaide believes three of these options would see the station close, either immediately or soon after.  Radio Adelaide urges the University to commit to a 3-5 year staged transition, consistent with their independent review option 2. The station community is keen to work with the University to give this iconic Adelaide radio station the best chance to prosper as an independent entity.

Radio Adelaide is a multi-award winning community radio station broadcasting a wide range of news, current affairs, social issues, arts and music. We are heard 24/7 across metropolitan Adelaide and SA regional areas on 101.5FM and Digital Radio, with streaming, podcasts and on demand via our website at radio.adelaide.edu.au.

Radio Adelaide has been part of South Australia’s public life for 43 years. In 1972 the University of Adelaide had the vision to start and then support the first educational community radio station in Australia. Since then, thousands of volunteer program makers have passed through our studios, speaking up for our diverse community. Many have gone on to achieve amazing things in the media, public and cultural life.

We want to continue that journey.

Radio Adelaide urges members of the community to respond to the discussion paper and to provide their own views of the importance of Radio Adelaide to the community and the University.

For more information, contact: Deborah Welch 0418 887 035 or Emily Dwyer 0450 083 425.

To read the consultation documents, submit your views and sign our petition please visit: www.saveradioadelaide.org.

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