A new future for Radio Adelaide

Monday, 14 December 2015

The University of Adelaide announced today that it is now settling a new ownership structure for Radio Adelaide, and expects to announce final details in January.

“Since we began public consultation two weeks ago, several organisations well positioned to operate a community radio station have stepped forward with proposals to take over Radio Adelaide,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Warren Bebbington.

“We are now in negotiation with these parties. Over the next 10 days we also welcome registrations of interest from other organisations with the capacity to take a significant financial interest in the station.”

The aim is to establish an independent entity acceptable to the media authority ACMA, with the University keen to be represented on the new Board of Directors. It envisages a new location and a facilities solution will be available to meet the station’s ongoing requirements.

“I would expect a new Board to respect the mission of the existing station while both revitalising the station’s community programming and maintaining the training it provides to our media students.”

Professor Bebbington said that since releasing a Briefing Paper summarising options for the station’s future, he had met with key stakeholders and received 168 written responses. “While there was a variety of views expressed, most preferred a transition to an independent entity.”

He noted that many people were keen to see Radio Adelaide continue, and he hoped they would show their support by signing on for a subscription. “The level of community support the station receives via subscriptions has been amongst the lowest of any such station in Australia.”

Other organisations wishing to bid for an ownership interest should complete the Registration of Interest form, which needs to be submitted by 24 December 2015.

 

Contact Details

Adam Thomson
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