Radio Skid Row Faces Compliance Breach

Sydney’s Radio Skid Row 88.9FM has been found in breach of community participation rules, as per the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, following an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The investigation revealed that the station dismissed a volunteer presenter without adhering to its disciplinary procedures, raising concerns over political and cultural bias perceptions.

The ACMA’s investigation concluded that while Radio Skid Row’s policies did not explicitly limit participation based on political or cultural grounds, the mishandling of the presenter’s dismissal contributed to a perception of bias. This incident underscores the importance of community radio stations in fostering inclusive and diverse participation, as emphasized by ACMA Authority Member Carolyn Lidgerwood.

In response to the findings, Radio Skid Row has accepted the authority’s conclusions and committed to revamping its disciplinary and people management processes. The station plans to implement comprehensive training for volunteers and staff on policies and procedures, alongside improving management’s understanding of risk and privacy obligations.

Looking ahead, Radio Skid Row will report its progress to the ACMA and update the authority on any further disciplinary actions through 2026 and 2027. These steps aim to ensure the station remains a platform for diverse community involvement, aligning with the core values of community broadcasting.