Post-extraction ANZAC weekend action across country.
Thursday April the 23rd ~
I begin with Lotus and Zac's wedding in Jervis Bay.
Friday April the 24th ~
Then returning to The Gum Ball in the Hunter for our traditional Day 1 finale: the Silent Disco, from midnight til 2. 3 whack channels going out from Hot Flush and myself, plus Robbie Buck - on vinyl!
Saturday April the 25th ~
Gotta take a break and regenerate the contents of my aching skull, so Jack Off will air via the gentle genius of Jonny Seymour between 3 and 5.
Last week the text line blew up big time when I commiserated with a listener regarding the woeful news that 2SER is (also) facing an imminent existential threat - one that, incredibly, was barely acted upon for six months. It is only now being publicly flagged as a situation so grievous that the station could be shuttered by July.
Calling out this appalling lack of oversight and infuriating lack of transparency led to one supporter of the existing regime pushing back hard by text, effectively wishing to modify, or even silence, my critique. Whilst I could empathise with their different take on matters to a degree, I was not about to 'dial it down' as suggested. I've done my research on this matter and have decades of experience in this sector (having started at SER myself). I'm duty-bound to call it as I see it, for the sake of the communities both stations serve. Eventually they acknowledged that I was entitled to my opinion. One might reasonably expect so, after 35 years of selfless public service!
Sadly I must also report that, subsequent to this program, a 'Town Hall' meeting, held at UTS last night, amounted only to a shameful display of corporate deflection, disinterest and even insolence to the volunteer base. It increasingly seems that both the University and Board want to wash their hands of this priceless cultural and educational asset. There was zero passion and bugger-all proffered by way of solutions. The MD even managed to reject the idea of asking for money because they might have to close (guess what saved fbi: passion, creativity, cutting costs and asking for money)!
You can read Daz Chandler's account of the 'shit show' in question here. She has since reported that both universities' (UTS - and Macquarie who, despite pulling their half of funding last September, still have an inert yet hostile Dean on the Board, as co-chair no less) communications teams have directed that audio and transcripts of this 'Town Hall' not be shared at all. Great faith!
The original SMH article that exposed this disgraceful farce can be found here. A more personal take, on how this sell-out doesn't actually add-up, was penned by Robbie in the same publication here.
To hear my take on the (lack of) process, readily perceivable as a stitch-up / fait accompli, along with many interactions with (otherwise hugely supportive) listeners, head to the on-demand stream from an hour in (til the death) here.
Those who care might wish to sign this petition and share their experiences of the value of the station via this new website. What a fucken time eh?