ABC Radio National's cuts to music programming 'devastates' Bega Valley musicians

Music programs The Inside Sleeve, The Live Set, The Daily Planet and The Rhythm Divine will be decommissioned from next year. 

“I’m just devastated, I think it’s an appalling decision,” Tantawangalo singer-songwriter Heath Cullen said.

“I wouldn’t have my music career if it wasn’t for music programming on Radio National. 

“Everywhere I go there are people who come to my show because they heard my music on the radio.”

Mr Cullen said it was a tragedy for independent music, as stations such as Double J and Triple J were aimed at people under 30 so those who wanted to listen to other types of music would suffer. 

“The great thing that Radio National does is promote and support cultural diversity and these cuts are a clear attack on that,” he said.  

“It goes beyond music, this is part of the wider agenda of the ongoing politicization of the ABC.” 

Long-time Cobargo musician Damon Davies credits Radio National’s Lucky Oceans and his eclectic Daily Planet music show with helping launch his career after the release of his first record Ride this Train in 1995.

“It’s a tragedy,” he said of the announced cuts.

“[The Daily Planet] was a show for musicians who sat in the cracks and on the fringe of subcultures, the real quirky, far-out dudes who become your Jimi Hendrixes.

“The board members becoming corporate has really seen the ABC decline over the years.”

For Mr Davies, the station gave him crucial national exposure, opening up avenues to tour further and further afield.

“For me as a country bumpkin, to be played on the Daily Planet was enormous,” he said.

“I’m aware of a lot of people living in rural areas getting a big break from the show.

“With these shows it’s not about stars or who is bigger or better, there’s no hierarchy of major labels and everyone is treated as an equal.” 

South East Arts general manager Andrew Gray said commercial radio usually played signed artists and while there were ways for independent musicians to promote themselves other than Radio National, they were less effective.  

“It’s thrown back on your own abilities, time and skills, other than using the advantages a national broadcaster brings with its resources and exposure,” he said. 

“It will make it difficult for regionally-based musicians to get the sort of exposure through radio that is provided at the moment.” 

On Thursday, over 60 Radio National staff unanimously passed a motion of no confidence in senior radio management, partly due to the cuts to music programming. 

A petition calling to reverse the cuts can be seen here.