Calls for community to speak up or lose local content
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall was shocked to learn late yesterday that the Sydney-based Super Radio Radio Network has decided to axe the local news service that is broadcast on 2NZ/GEMFM from Inverell to the Inverell and Glen Innes districts.
As a result of this decision Mr Marshall said veteran newsreader and Inverell’s Mr Radio, John Shaw, has just one month left on air.
Slamming the decision by the commercial network as short-sighted, Mr Marshall has urged listeners to speak up and not accept the retraction of this important local service as a ‘done deal’.
“John Shaw is a well-respected veteran of radio and has delivered the Inverell District and regional news in his own way for many years,” Mr Marshall said.
“Households across a large part of the Northern Tablelands Electorate welcome the local news into their home, cars and workplaces across the day in five news broadcasts, five days a week.
“Without this vital local news service, our community really is going to be left in the dark about all manner of important issues.
“I urge the community to get behind their local radio news service by letting the decision-makers know how they feel.”
Super Network Radio own the station and can be contacted through the website www.2smsupernetwork.com or phone on 02 9660 1269. The national industry body representing Australian Commercial Radio Broadcasters is Commercial Radio Australia which can be contacted at www.commercialradio.com.au/contact-us of phone 02 9281 6599.
“The gradual eroding of regional broadcasting is something that we should all resist and make an effort to reverse,” Mr Marshall said.
“Speaking up for our local radio news, John Shaw and his colleagues is a good starting point – let’s not let local news and content go without a good old country fight.”