After nearly 5 years of lead in 2SER finally hit the airwaves on Oct 1, 1979. Here’s a copy of the first minute, preserved by enthusiast Andrew Host and reproduced here with his permission. For a long time we thought the piece had actually been lost, given that then General Manager Keith Jackson accidentally put the tape to record upside down in the machine. Seems first day nerves can get even the best of us. Thank goodness for you, Andrew.

<div>After nearly 5 years of lead in 2SER finally hit the airwaves on Oct 1, 1979. Here’s a copy of the first minute, preserved by enthusiast Andrew Host and reproduced here with his permission. For a long time we thought the piece had actually been lost, given that then General Manager Keith Jackson accidentally put the tape to record upside down in the machine. Seems first day nerves can get even the best of us. Thank goodness for you, Andrew.</div>

After nearly 5 years of lead in 2SER finally hit the airwaves on Oct 1, 1979. Here's a copy of the first minute, preserved by...

Inaugural broadcast - Nick Booth introduces the station, and Mama Cass

Some of the pioneers of 2SER, and more importantly, of the Australian media generally, are Tiga Bayles and Maureen Watson. Tiga’s daughter and Maureen’s granddaughter, Yarraka Bayles, talks here about the energy, legacy and fearless leadership of her family’s work in the 1980s and beyond. While sadly these pioneers have now passed on, we are indebted to the time they both gave to 2SER on air, but also to those they trained and inspired to push forward and ask for more. In this piece Yarraka speaks specifically about her father, Tiga, and his career and legacy. The images and stories here are shared with permission by the family.

<div>Some of the pioneers of 2SER, and more importantly, of the Australian media generally, are Tiga Bayles and Maureen Watson. Tiga’s daughter and Maureen’s granddaughter, Yarraka Bayles, talks here about the energy, legacy and fearless leadership of her family’s work in the 1980s and beyond. While sadly these pioneers have now passed on, we are indebted to the time they both gave to 2SER on air, but also to those they trained and inspired to push forward and ask for more. In this piece Yarraka speaks specifically about her father, Tiga, and his career and legacy. The images and stories here are shared with permission by the family.</div>

Some of the pioneers of 2SER, and more importantly, of the Australian media generally, are Tiga Bayles and Maureen Watson. Tiga's...

Yarraka Bayles - from 2SER to Radio Redfern and Radio Skid Row part 1 - Tiga Bayles

There’s so much to say about the work of Yarraka Bayles’ family and the influence they have had. In this piece Yarraka talks about her grandmother, the broadcaster, poet, activist, artist and feminist Maureen Watson, who was on 2SER in the 1980s. She paved for not just Indigenous Women, but so many people in industry. Hearing again about way she was treated at times is really uncomfortable, but also an important reminder of the strength, vision and talent of this incredible person. What an amazing gift we had – and how sad that we didn’t better recognise this at the time. The images and stories here are shared with permission by the family.

<div>There’s so much to say about the work of Yarraka Bayles’ family and the influence they have had. In this piece Yarraka talks about her grandmother, the broadcaster, poet, activist, artist and feminist Maureen Watson, who was on 2SER in the 1980s. She paved for not just Indigenous Women, but so many people in industry. Hearing again about way she was treated at times is really uncomfortable, but also an important reminder of the strength, vision and talent of this incredible person. What an amazing gift we had – and how sad that we didn’t better recognise this at the time. The images and stories here are shared with permission by the family.</div>

There's so much to say about the work of Yarraka Bayles' family and the influence they have had. In this piece Yarraka talks about her...

Yarraka Bayles - from 2SER to Radio Redfern and Radio Skid Row part 2 - Maureen Watson

The celebration for 2SER’s fifth anniversary was led by two of the station’s powerhouses at the time – Virginia Madsen and Jill Emberson. Although they were technically sharing one job, both were so committed they were at the station “all the time,” in order to keep the station going. As Virginia explains, both women went on to have fantastic careers in the media, as well as continuing to inspire new generations as teachers and advocates respectively. This is just a tiny reminder of their energy and achievements – we are so proud (and lucky) to have had them. Also mentioned here is Leah Haynes, who we haven’t been able to track down – but let us know more if you can!

<div>The celebration for 2SER’s fifth anniversary was led by two of the station’s powerhouses at the time – Virginia Madsen and Jill Emberson. Although they were technically sharing one job, both were so committed they were at the station “all the time,” in order to keep the station going. As Virginia explains, both women went on to have fantastic careers in the media, as well as continuing to inspire new generations as teachers and advocates respectively. This is just a tiny reminder of their energy and achievements – we are so proud (and lucky) to have had them. Also mentioned here is Leah Haynes, who we haven’t been able to track down – but let us know more if you can!</div>

The celebration for 2SER's fifth anniversary was led by two of the station's powerhouses at the time - Virginia Madsen and Jill...

Fifth Anniversary - Do Re Mi and others

One of 2SER’s pioneering music programs, 3600 was started by Virginia Madsen, joined by John Potts. Both are now acclaimed academics at Macquarie University in the Department of Media, Music, Communications and Cultural Studies. As Virginia recalls here, the show was about genre hopping and going beyond high and low art, while also including some “playful advice” for listeners hard or broken of heart.

<div>One of 2SER’s pioneering music programs, 3600 was started by Virginia Madsen, joined by John Potts. Both are now acclaimed academics at Macquarie University in the Department of Media, Music, Communications and Cultural Studies. As Virginia recalls here, the show was about genre hopping and going beyond high and low art, while also including some “playful advice” for listeners hard or broken of heart.</div>

One of 2SER's pioneering music programs, 3600 was started by Virginia Madsen, joined by John Potts. Both are now acclaimed academics at...

3600 seconds - Virginia Madsen

Easily the best shot of 2SER’s early days – Bill Anthes and his colleagues take a very close look at the broadcast antenna as it was being tested for broadcast. The event clearly took place well before OH and S was a thing, and also included a helicopter ride to get the shot just right. Here Bill explains the process to Jess and Liz at 2SER’s Pop Up Archive Day in September 2019. We’re still a bit nervous now as he talks about it!

<div>Easily the best shot of 2SER’s early days – Bill Anthes and his colleagues take a very close look at the broadcast antenna as it was being tested for broadcast. The event clearly took place well before OH and S was a thing, and also included a helicopter ride to get the shot just right. Here Bill explains the process to Jess and Liz at 2SER’s Pop Up Archive Day in September 2019. We’re still a bit nervous now as he talks about it!</div>

Easily the best shot of 2SER's early days - Bill Anthes and his colleagues take a very close look at the broadcast antenna as it was...

Bill Anthes setting up the 2SER antenna

2SER’s station magazine, Listening Post, was first published the month before we launched in 1979, and ran until 1997. Prior to his work at 2SER Keith had a history in educational radio in other regions, notably working for the ABC in their educational division in Papua New Guinea. This experience inspired not just the founding of the station, but also its publication, designed to be a program listing but also much more than that. Here Keith explains the process, as well as some of the key personnel who helped get the magazine off the ground. If you're super keen, you can also browse all of Listening Post online now via https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1447219380?fbclid=IwAR3WoWvL7R6dET8u_fi6Qh5bvAZ2yxLPTJYdMTdzfS_tTRJUhb-sTl2tLe8

<div>2SER’s station magazine, Listening Post, was first published the month before we launched in 1979, and ran until 1997. Prior to his work at 2SER Keith had a history in educational radio in other regions, notably working for the ABC in their educational division in Papua New Guinea. This experience inspired not just the founding of the station, but also its publication, designed to be a program listing but also much more than that. Here Keith explains the process, as well as some of the key personnel who helped get the magazine off the ground. If you're super keen, you can also browse all of Listening Post online now via <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1447219380?fbclid=IwAR3WoWvL7R6dET8u_fi6Qh5bvAZ2yxLPTJYdMTdzfS_tTRJUhb-sTl2tLe8" target="_blank">https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1447219380?fbclid=IwAR3WoWvL7R6dET8u_fi6Qh5bvAZ2yxLPTJYdMTdzfS_tTRJUhb-sTl2tLe8</a></div>

2SER's station magazine, Listening Post, was first published the month before we launched in 1979, and ran until 1997. Prior to his...

Keith Jackson talks Listening Post

2SER is built on the tireless enthusiasm of its volunteers. There has to have been thousands who have come through our doors in 40 years. Just one of note is David Jobling, who was with us from 2000-2005. In addition to being Volunteer of the Year, he also launched The Daily, contributed to The Alternative Law Show and recorded some amazing arts and theatre interviews for us during his time.

<div>2SER is built on the tireless enthusiasm of its volunteers. There has to have been thousands who have come through our doors in 40 years. Just one of note is David Jobling, who was with us from 2000-2005. In addition to being Volunteer of the Year, he also launched The Daily, contributed to The Alternative Law Show and recorded some amazing arts and theatre interviews for us during his time.</div>

2SER is built on the tireless enthusiasm of its volunteers. There has to have been thousands who have come through our doors in 40...

David Jobling - Volunteer of the year

Former station manager Kaye Blackman took hold of 2SER in the 1980s and 90s, serving 14 years in the role and as its first female leader. During that time she inspired many with her energy and passion, as well as pioneering new spaces for groups who may have otherwise been overlooked. One of these achievements was the establishment of ‘New Horizons’, a show which featured older people in all aspects of radio making. It inspired many others who may have otherwise been overlooked to get in and just have a go. Featured in the accompanying image for this piece are volunteers Doug Denham and Bette Duncan.

<div>Former station manager Kaye Blackman took hold of 2SER in the 1980s and 90s, serving 14 years in the role and as its first female leader. During that time she inspired many with her energy and passion, as well as pioneering new spaces for groups who may have otherwise been overlooked. One of these achievements was the establishment of ‘New Horizons’, a show which featured older people in all aspects of radio making. It inspired many others who may have otherwise been overlooked to get in and just have a go. Featured in the accompanying image for this piece are volunteers Doug Denham and Bette Duncan.</div>

Former station manager Kaye Blackman took hold of 2SER in the 1980s and 90s, serving 14 years in the role and as its first female...

Kaye Blackman - empowerment through community radio

2SER’s second station manager John Martin saw the station through it’s ‘difficult second album’ phase. He did this by working fearlessly and with great ambition. One example of his vision was the collaboration between stations like ours and other community broadcasters. Without compromising quality or local relevance, with John’s guidance we were able to network to become more than the sum of our parts.

<div>2SER’s second station manager John Martin saw the station through it’s ‘difficult second album’ phase. He did this by working fearlessly and with great ambition. One example of his vision was the collaboration between stations like ours and other community broadcasters. Without compromising quality or local relevance, with John’s guidance we were able to network to become more than the sum of our parts.</div>

2SER's second station manager John Martin saw the station through it's 'difficult second album' phase. He did this by working...

John Martin - creating a network with other community stations

To follow are snippets that accompany the Forty Years of 2SER exhibition. This is only a small taste of what the station has achieved over its time - but it should wet your whistle to begin. Radio with a Point. Real Radio. Yum Cha for your ears. 40 years of Stories, Ideas and Music.
The interviews and series were produced and edited by Liz Giuffre and Jess Klajman. 

We recorded on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, and pay respect and acknowledge them as the traditional custodians of this land.

Forty Years of 2SER

To follow are snippets that first accompanied the Forty Years of 2SER exhibition, and have since been added to, massaged and expanded as the station has kept on keeping on. This is only a small taste of what the station has achieved over its time - but it should wet your whistle to begin. Radio with a Point. Real Radio. Yum Cha for your ears. 40 years of Stories, Ideas and Music. The interviews and series were produced and edited by Liz Giuffre and Jess Klajson (Klajman). We recorded on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, and pay respect and acknowledge them as the traditional custodians of this land.

<p>To follow are snippets that first accompanied the Forty Years of 2SER exhibition, and have since been added to, massaged and expanded as the station has kept on keeping on. This is only a small taste of what the station has achieved over its time - but it should wet your whistle to begin. Radio with a Point. Real Radio. Yum Cha for your ears. 40 years of Stories, Ideas and Music. The interviews and series were produced and edited by Liz Giuffre and Jess Klajson (Klajman). We recorded on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, and pay respect and acknowledge them as the traditional custodians of this land.</p>

Forty(ish) Years of 2SER

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

53 clip(s)