More static at Vox FM
More static at Vox FM
April 02, 2009
Section: News
WARREN JONES
WOLLONGONG’S community radio station Vox FM has failed to shake off controversy despite going ahead with plans to move to new premises before the year is out.
The situation at Vox became increasingly tumultuous last year, when a number of members were expelled and a raft of applying residents denied membership amid fears of a bid by Wollongong Against Corruption to stack membership.
WAC has denied these claims.
Vox said four members including former Wollongong City Councillor Trevor Mott and Wollongong Against Corruption’s Paul Matters, were expelled because behaviour, contrary to the station’s code of conduct.
On the other side are those who say the expulsions and selectivity in accepting new members is about quashing dissent and carrying on with the planned move to a site attached to the Pheonix Theatre in Coniston without serious opposition.
A number of the expelled members and other current members of Vox, unhappy with the direction of the management have banded together in a group called Friends of Vox FM, and held a meeting over the weekend to discuss the situation.
Friends member Trevor Mott said the rift started over plans to move to the site in Coniston, claiming that crucial information was kept from members.
“We’re concerned with the governance of the place, we’re concerned it’s not being run in a manner which is correct and we’re concerned that the station has taken a turn for the worst in that freedom of speech has been eliminated (and) a lot of people have been refused membership,” he said.
Mr Mott said the agreement with Wollongong City Council, which allows Vox FM to build and run the new station while taking on some responsibilities for the adjacent theatre puts the station in danger.
However Vox FM station manager Steen said these fears are unfounded.
“That is the biggest load of nonsense,” he said.
“The agreement with Council is that Vox maintains the Pheonix Theatre to operate and function…all that the Council requires is that theatrical events happen in the theatre; that’s one every three months.”
- Nov 9, 2009 @ 05:01pm
Because of the inordinate amount of stuff about VOX FM's players, and knowing there was a recent AGM at which a number of new directors were appointed, I went to the VOX FM website this arvo [c. 4.30 pm Mon 9'11] and was surprised to see the site so out of date. Even the old Board of directors is still shown. It is time the new broom started sweeping - starting with the webmaster, and joining up all those people denied membership under the old regime. Then, of course, some of the old favourites can resume their programs, but, more importantly, NEW PROGRAMS BY NEW TALENT IS NEEDED as a matter of urgency to increase the audience. There are Friends of VOX FM, who might now have the opportunity to be a Friend and not be treated like a foe. Good luck, Good listening.
- Nov 2, 2009 @ 11:29am
I have received an email from the Editor and am satisfied that the comments I originally wrote did not appear on this site, although at the time I was covinced that they had. My thanks to the Editor for his prompt reply.
- Nov 2, 2009 @ 11:05am
I can only agree with Barry Butler and Trevor Mott regarding the ousted Board members of VOX fm. At least the mess has now been cleaned and a new, community focused, group of members elected to lead the recovery of this wonderful asset of the residents of the Illawarra.
- Nov 2, 2009 @ 10:07am
Mr Lang, who has followed the Voxfm management line to the letter, must now be sick as a dog since at the Voxfm AGM, a new board was democratically elected which should start the radio station on the way to recovery. My original comments which were designed to be a rejoinder to Mr Lang's comments have been censored and it is a black day for the Illawarra when free journals such as the Wollongong & Northern Leader resort to such tactics. EDITOR'S NOTE: No comments are censored unless they are defamatory. Mr Butler's "original comments" were not received on this website.
- Nov 2, 2009 @ 09:59am
On the 31st October, I posted comments on this site, in reply to the derogatory comments of Mr Lang, which have been removed. I would like to protest in the most vehement terns regarding this action. I am going to protest to the Editor of the wollongong and Northern Leader and ascertain who removed my comments and for what reasons. EDITOR'S NOTE: No comment was received by Mr Butler by this site on October 31. It was not removed, because it was not received.
- Oct 31, 2009 @ 09:52pm
Robert it seems that the members are very aware of the problems of the previous board. The members VOTED them OUT at the 2009 AGM. Bertie it seems you may want to revisit your comments as it may well be the whole scenario has changed. Democracy has returned it appears all the glumness pervaded VOX is dissapearing. Reobert Elliot join us as the old regime has vanished into the ether.
- Oct 1, 2009 @ 10:25pm
Mott and Butler have dreamed up a load of crap because they didnt get democractically elected to the board of Vox! As a member for 10 years I am glad we are finally rid of them because all they seem to want to do is play politics instead of getting on with the business that so urgently needs attention! In reality the only problem Vox has is dealing with their petty mindedness! GET A LIFE BOYS OR GOW UP is my advice...
Comment count: 8
Trevor Mott and I, as two of the founder members of the Friends of VOXfm, started this campaign on April 02, 2009, and along with a shipload of support, managed to start the turnaround at Ellen Street, which was initiated by a new Voxfm Board elected at the October AGM. It would be great and very satisfying if the Northern Leader would allow us to do a follow up story for the benefit of their many readers.