Why Saving 2SER Matters More Than Ever

Sydney’s independent music and media landscape is facing a devastating loss. After 46 years on air, beloved community broadcaster 2SER is at risk of shutting down as soon as July, and for artists, journalists and music lovers across Australia, the impact would be immeasurable.

For decades, 2SER has been one of the country’s most important platforms for emerging Australian music, independent journalism and alternative culture. It’s the kind of station that gives artists their first radio spin before anyone else is paying attention. The kind of place where presenters genuinely care about local music. The kind of institution that keeps creative communities alive.

And once spaces like this disappear, they rarely come back.

A Change.org petition launched by supporters is now calling on the University of Technology Sydney to commit to ongoing financial support for the station into 2027 and beyond, with or without additional funding partners.

The petition states:

“2SER provides a vital service to the Sydney community, through its support of music, arts, culture and independent journalism. As well as being a critical training ground for future generations. To close the station is not an option.”

For those working within music and media, the threat to 2SER cuts especially deep. Beyond broadcasting incredible music, the station has helped shape generations of broadcasters, journalists, producers and artists. It has long existed outside the increasingly narrow commercial landscape, championing voices, sounds and ideas that mainstream media often ignores.

In a message sent to artists and industry contacts, 2SER Music Director shared that staff and volunteers are currently directing enormous energy towards efforts to save the station, while a substantial volunteer-led movement works tirelessly behind the scenes to secure its future.

The message also highlighted exactly why community support matters right now:

“If you believe that independent community radio, as a platform for emerging Australian music outside of the mainstream channels is worth saving…”

That’s really what this comes down to.

Community radio has always been one of the last truly accessible entry points into Australian music culture. It gives space to experimentation, local storytelling and emerging artists who don’t yet have industry backing or major-label support. Stations like 2SER don’t just reflect culture, they actively create it.

At a time when arts funding continues to shrink and independent media spaces are becoming harder to sustain, losing 2SER would send a devastating message about what Australia values, and what it’s willing to let disappear.

There are a few ways the music community can help right now:

• Complete the short survey at love2ser.com

• Sign the petition to save 2SER via Change.org

• Artists, labels and supporters can also send through short voice recordings explaining why 2SER matters to them

More than anything, the station needs visible support and community pressure right now.

Because 46 years of independent music, ideas and culture deserves a future. Keep 2SER on air.