2SER

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2SER
City of license	Sydney
Broadcast area	Sydney
Frequency	107.3 MHz FM
First air date	October 1, 1979
Format	Mixed
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.

[edit] 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 October 1, 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 designed by Mark Gowing Design. The station's online presence was also redesigned to deliver a rich content experience, with work being done by design agency, Digital Eskimo. Both agencies are supporters of 2SER and are good examples of the community of businesses and individuals that support the station.

[edit] Programs on the Station

The Pulse radio program started out in the late 1980s as the brainchild of DJ Lance for 2SER FM in Sydney, Australia along with the help of a fellow DJ, Stevie B. It went to air late on Saturday nights into the early hours of Sunday morning. "The Pulse" moved from early mornings into the late Saturday night spot where the program was a ratings success.

The program launched the career of several local DJ's who came in to do guest spots. The introduction of Frank Rodi gave the program a slick finish. "The Pulse" lasted on air until 2000, when the program producer, Lance Elias, called it a day and moved into business. Frank Rodi went on to produce the program Alchemy for SBS radio as well as a TV version later on.

Highlights of "The Pulse":

• Live spot from the Zoo
• Complete program on Helium
• Top 20 Dance / Rap count down
• A very Hip Hop Xmas Specials
• Nude programs
• Interviews with the latest artists of the time

Regular contributors to the program included, Burt Greer, Paul Byrne, Stan Veitsman, Lisa Yates, DJ Mickey (now Mickey Morphingaz), Yumi Greer, Gloria Greer, Rasheedar, and Celest.

The Diffusion Science Radio Show is a science show broadcast each Thursday at 9am.

[edit] References

• Javes, Sue (Sept 14, 2004) Career launcher 2SER FM celebrates its silver anniversary. Sydney Morning Herald.
• Javes, Sue (July 10, 2006) Jailhouse Rock. Sydney Morning Herald.
• Javes, Sue (Dec. 8, 2004). Money matters: 2SER relaunch plans. Sydney Morning Herald.
• Evans, Rachel (May 11, 2005). Gaywaves ceases broadcasting. Green Left Weekly.

[edit] External links

• Official website
• "The Wire" national current affairs
• Diffusion Science Radio