2SER
City | Sydney |
---|---|
Broadcast area | Sydney |
Slogan | Real Radio |
Frequency | 107.3 MHz FM |
First air date | 1 October 1979 |
Format | Independent |
Owner | University of Technology, Sydney, Macquarie University |
2SER is a community radio station in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, broadcasting on the frequency 107.3 FM and is a member of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. The station operates as a company limited by guarantee and is jointly owned by Macquarie University and the University of Technology, Sydney. Both institutions contribute an annual grant to 2SER, however the station is largely self-supporting, relying upon revenue raised through programming, sponsorship, fund-raising events and membership.
The station has a metro-wide licence and broadcasts a mix of programming styles - specialist music, general magazine and specialist talks. It currently broadcasts 15 talks shows covering topics such as science, current affairs, health, conservation, publishing, gay culture and theatre. 2SER is also one of few media outlets that has a special program for prisoners. The station helped launch the broadcasting careers of Julie McCrossin, Robbie Buck, Helen Razer, Eleanor Hall, Fenella Kernebone and Jonathan Harley - all of whom started out on the station as volunteers.
History
The station had its origins in the burgeoning community broadcasting movement of the early 1970s when it was proposed that an educational station, based on a consortium of Sydney universities, be established. On 1 October 1979 the station was opened by the Federal Minister for Education, Senator John Carrick, and has been broadcasting ever since.[1]
In the mid-1990s the station expanded its programming to emphasise 'underground dance music' which was very popular in Sydney at the time. This caused friction within the station but 2SER organised a series of highly lucrative fund raising events called Freaky Loops in association with Sydney promoters such as Cryogenesis, Clan Analogue, Club Kooky and Elefant Traks which sustained the move to a new musical format for several years until 2001.[1]
In late 2004, the station was faced with a projected budget shortfall of up to $100,000 that financial year. Management addressed the situation by reducing the number of paid staff, putting forward proposals to scale down the use of its studio at Macquarie University and attempting to cater for a slightly older audience - ideas that were met with frustration from some volunteers. Internal activism resulted in a softening of policy. In early 2005 the new program grid was launched, and despite the controversy in its lead up, it proved to be a simple reshuffle of the existing grid, rather than a dramatic overhaul.
The station worked on its improving its brand across the 2003-2005 period, incorporating a fresh new logo and brand elements, while the station's online presence was also redesigned to deliver a rich content experience.
Notable guests
- Calpernia Addams
- Steve Albini
- Sarah Blasko
- Jamie Briggs MP
- Bryan Brown
- Tony Burke MP
- Linda Burney MLA
- Tim Cahill
- Jane Caro
- Senator Kim Carr
- Abbie Cornish
- Senator Sam Dastyari
- Jonathan Donahue and Grasshopper of Mercury Rev
- Tim Ferguson
- Charles Firth of The Chaser
- Kate Forsyth
- George Gittoes
- Gotye
- Antony Green
- Darren Hanlon
- Hauschka
- Stephen Hess
- Julia Holter
- Reginald D. Hunter
- Dr. John
- Steve Kilbey of The Church
- Senator Scott Ludlam
- Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale of Devo
- Amanda Palmer
- Clive Palmer MP
- Pauline Pantsdown
- John Pilger
- Josh Pyke
- Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
- Paul McDermott
- Senator Christine Milne
- Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth
- Senator Lee Rhiannon
- Sally Sara
- Sally Seltmann
- Senator Rachel Siewert
- Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
- Glenn Thompson of Custard
- Holly Throsby
- Urthboy
- Martha Wainwright
- Don Watson
- Senator Peter Whish-Wilson
- Senator John Williams
- Clare Wright
- Henry Rollins
References
- 1 2 2 SER FM (2008). "The SER Story". 2SER FM 107.3 Official Website. 2SER FM 107.3. Archived from the original on 9 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- Javes, Sue (14 September 2004) Career launcher 2SER FM celebrates its silver anniversary. Sydney Morning Herald.
- Javes, Sue (10 July 2006) Jailhouse Rock. Sydney Morning Herald.
- Javes, Sue (8 December 2004). Money matters: 2SER relaunch plans. Sydney Morning Herald.
- Evans, Rachel (11 May 2005). Gaywaves ceases broadcasting. Green Left Weekly.
External links
- Official website
- "The Wire" national current affairs
- Diffusion Science Radio
- Razors Edge - current affairs
- The Election Nerds - politics