Community broadcaster Fresh 92.7 will “provide advice and facilities to the station, and manage a transition which will see Radio Adelaide become an independent, not-for-profit organisation from July this year,” according to the University.

The University of Adelaide, which has owned and operated Radio Adelaide since its founding in 1972, signed an agreement with Fresh 92.7 yesterday, subject to ACMA approval.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington said that, under terms agreed with Fresh 92.7, Radio Adelaide will retain its educational mission:

“The media training provided to our Media students and the community will continue, and likely expand.”
 

Under the agreement, Radio Adelaide will initially co-locate with Fresh 92.7 in their existing CBD location, with a view to moving to new studios in the future.

The agreement with Fresh 92.7 will see the registration of a new organisation that will continue to represent the educational community interest in Adelaide.

Professor Bebbington said the University has been in detailed discussion with several organisations interested in involvement in Radio Adelaide for over two months.

“The University will provide funds to assist with the transition, but I would hope this leads to a revival of community sponsorship and subscription support for the station,” he said.

Fresh 92.7 General Manager Troy Sincock said the circumstances present an opportunity to collaborate on a level he hasn’t seen in community radio before.

“We are in a unique position to assist to build the capacity of community radio, to share facilities and training opportunities for the benefit of Adelaide,” said Mr Sincock.

“Having built a strong product and a listenership of over 150,000 people each week, Fresh 92.7 has the right mix of knowledge and experience to provide advice and guidance to Radio Adelaide.”

According to twitter posts on  #SaveRadAd, staff at Radio Adelaide addressed an annual meeting of the University earlier this week with a counter proposal, which appears to have been rejected in light of today’s announcement.
 

The transfer of the licence cannot be finalised until approved by the broadcasting authority ACMA.