Dunedin's Radio One safe from sale

Clock tower at Otago University. Photo / supplied

Plans to sell iconic Dunedin student radio station Radio One have been scrapped after protests from prominent musicians and media.

Otago University Students Association last month confirmed it was looking at selling Radio One to save money ahead of legislation ending compulsory membership of student bodies, in a move backed by international consultancy Deloittes.

Its decision was opposed as an attack on the cultural heart of Dunedin by musicians including The Verlaines' Graeme Downes and The Chills' Martin Phillipps.

Radio One broadcast nothing but ambient noise and explanatory public service announcements for a week to oppose the proposal.

It confirmed those protests were succcesful in an annoucement posted on the 'Save Radio One 91FM' Facebook wall on Saturday.

Station Manager Sean Norling said OUSA members voted not to privatise or disestablish Radio One in a meeting on August 5.

He said the decision came after a "multitude" of meetings with concerned music industry figures and 140 written submissions opposing the sale.

"Without your efforts and concern, the results may have been very different."

Radio One and the OUSA executive would now put together a plan to ensure the station engaged with students and improved its financial performance, he said.

"We have many great plans and initiatives. These things will be achieved to ensure the longevity of our fine station without compromising the diversity and excellence of our programming."

Radio One has six paid employees and 70 volunteers.

In May, OUSA commissioned Deloitte, a professional services organisation, to review its services and structure to prepare for an decreased revenue stream.

OUSA president Logan Edgar told the Otago Daily Times the association needed to consider how to reinvest student money in the most appropriate ways and Deloitte saw little commercial value in Radio One.

A student survey last year revealed Radio One was one of the least valued OUSA assets, he said.