London-based radio station Radar Radio has been accused of a string of exploitative and abusive practices by former DJs and producers at the station.
They have now confirmed they have made the decision to suspend broadcasting until we are in a position to address the recent commentary around aspects of the station.
The station, which prides itself on sharing the new sounds of London and giving young broadcasters a voice, has been at the centre of allegations in recent days, including reports that they have helped to marginalise minority groups thanks to a culture of sexism, homophobia, racism and transphobia.
Pxssy Palace, a queer WOC feminist DJ collective, ended their residency with the station and a week ago went public with their complaints, writing on social media that they feel it is now time to speak out and that the station has tokenised women, feminism, queer and trans culture, and Black and other people of colour, for capitalist purposes, whilst making little to no effort to practise intersectionality within their own organisation.
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Ashtart Al-Hurra, a former Studio Assistant and Producer at Radar Radio, has also published an op-ed on Mixed Spices in which she warns that her story mentions r*pe, child and domestic abuse, sexual harassment.
It was titled Im a Woman of Color Who Was Mistreated at Radar Radio – Their Reaction to Pxssy Palaces Leaving Statement Was Absolute Trash. Heres Why.
Pxssy Palace claim a series of different events have occured and named many of them including the following:
- Allowing the airing of sexist, homophobic and transphobic shows, with no evident attempt to apologise, or take reparatory actions following this
- Appropriation of culture, without consultation, or involvement, of the specific cultural groups
- The theft of intellectual ideas from people of colour with little transparency or attempt to share credit
- Organisation racism
- Asking staff (DJs, presenters, producers, members of the in house team) to work for free/low pay – despite financial capability, evidence by them pouring excessive amounts of cash into Radars refurbishment and to specific members of management and staff
- Creating an uncomfortable and toxic environment which has led to the departure of many women of colour staff
Al-Hurra adds that she was one of those women of colour staff that the DJs mention and that she was subject to sexual harassment by dickhead dj dudes and that when she complained to management she was told it was boys being boys.
Radar Radio is owned by Ollie Ashley, the son of Mike Ashley, a billionaire retail entrepreneur and the owner of Newcastle United.
Radar Radio released a statement in response to the allegations in which they wrote that they were very concerned and disappointed to see the statement from Pxssy Palace suggesting that we are getting some important aspects wrong.
We dont agree with all the opinions in that statement but like most organisations we know we are capable of making mistakes and have to be vigilant to maintain standards. We have taken immediate action to review and assess any shortcomings with the input of all Radar staff, especially those who are female, LGBTQI+ and POC.
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We unreservedly apologise to anybody who has felt unsafe or discriminated against at Radar Radio, either via programming or content or within the building. This was never our intention.
In response to the allegations, it is though that Tobogo Tracks, Objects Limited, and Club Chai have all pulled their shows from the station, and Club Chai have cancelled an appearance at Radars weekly party.
In light of the recent news about Radar Radio, I can no longer continue my show and Im leaving the station with immediate effect.
— ikonika (@ikonika) April 16, 2018
After 3 years at Radar I'll no longer be a part of the station. I've felt uncomfortable for too long now being a part of something that doesn't align with my values & this pushes it over the edge. Solidarity to all those who've experienced harassment of any kind in the music biz. https://t.co/meLZlin7WS
— India (@indiajordan8) April 16, 2018
Due to the news that has come to light today regarding Radar Radio, I have decided to leave the station.
— Conducta (@ConductaUK) April 16, 2018
so last month's music 4 lovers show was the last one on @RadarRadioLDN but if u enjoyed them then keep ur eyes peeled over the next few months as we re trying to sort a way to keep it going
— Jabu (@JABUyoungecho) April 16, 2018
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