Sydney community station 2SER moves forward. After four months of community consultation, 2SER will unveil a new programming schedule in May, including a local news service and a regular paid breakfast show.

2SER’s programming review found that listeners want more local news and information, as well as the flagship music programs 2SER is so well known for.

With more than 40 applications for new programs, 2SER has struck a balance between old favourites and innovative new programs according to Managing Director Melanie Withnall (below left) who said the quality of applications had been very high and revealed a need for regular programming reviews to ensure more people could have a go contributing.

“The station takes its role as an educational broadcaster very seriously,” Ms Withnall said. “The new programming review includes more opportunities for students to make radio and get practical experience at the station. 2SER has also revised its production model to allow for more ‘off air’ volunteer roles to be created.

“News and current affairs hours have increased, with some new specialist talk shows coming on board, as well as more ‘magazine-style’ programming. There will also be student run programs, and a creative audio, documentary and features show.

“After an exhaustive review process, 2SER is playing to its strengths, and programming staff have found some fresh and innovative voices for Sydney’s airwaves. In a changing media landscape, community radio stations need to innovate to stay relevant, especially when they’re an educational station like us,” Ms Withnall said.

2SER’s new line up will be launched in two stages, with new programming coming in early May, followed by news and breakfast soon after.

For more details on the breakfast position, and other volunteer opportunities, head to 2ser.com.

The changes come almost a year after a volunteer backlash against a staffing restructure.

2SER is a not-for-profit, independent community station, which broadcasts to the greater Sydney area on 107.3 FM, digital radio and on the web via www.2ser.com

For over 30 years, the station has provided Sydney with specialist music, news, opinion and current affairs programs that offer a unique insight into alternative culture and ideas that are largely ignored by the mainstream.