Statement from Quay FM:
PRESS AND MEDIA RELEASE
issued by the volunteer workforce of QUAY-FM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 7th August 2020
QUAY-FM SUSPENDS LIVE PROGRAMMES WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
VOLUNTEERS CALL FOR JOHN RUSSELL TO STEP DOWN.
It is with great regret and sadness that the entire volunteer staff of QUAY-FM decided, at a meeting held at the QUAY-FM studio yesterday afternoon to withdraw all volunteer effort and call for the immediate resignation of Mr John Russell, the nominal Chairman of QUAY-FM.
“We are all, effectively, ‘on strike’” said Ralph Burridge, who has been with the station for 15 years.
18 people – the whole QUAY-FM team – have signed a letter to Mr Russell asking him to step down, which will be posted on the studio door later today. The signatories includes the administrative and engineering volunteers as well as the on-air presenters.
“Sadly, he’s made it impossible for us to continue doing what we do for you unless he stands aside now” said Barbara Benfield.
ENDS
John Russell, Director
Alderney Broadcasting Company Ltd
Le Pavillion
Vert Courtil
Alderney
GY9 3UZ
Dear John
We, the undersigned, comprising the whole of the volunteer workforce of QUAYFM are writing to you today to ask formally and publicly for you to do the honourable and gentlemanly thing and tender your resignation to the QUAY-FM organisation. You have, sir, lost the confidence of each and every one of us.
The Alderney Broadcasting Company Ltd is an Alderney registered corporation, limited by guarantee, established for the public benefit and not for profit. It is formally recognised by the Guernsey Registry as a bailiwick non-profit organisation.
As Chairman of the Board of QUAY-FM, you have in these recent weeks and months, in the opinion of each and every one of us who has signed this letter, presided over what is now clearly apparent as a toxic environment, which has significantly affected the functioning of the station. We also have major concerns regarding certain compliance issues which must be addressed.
QUAY-FM, as has been seen during the worst parts of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier in the year, is a critically important part of our Island’s public safety infrastructure, particularly in respect of disaster and emergency planning and communications.
We all very much regret that this relationship cannot be repaired but are unanimous in recognising that is the unequivocal reality, and hereby call upon you to step down from all your roles (Chair, Director and Member) within the organisation. It is your actions, and yours alone that is preventing the resumption of live programming.
Yours sincerely,
Ann Hathaway
Barbara Benfield
Bev Hope-Smith
David Fleming
Duncan Peck (Technical)
Jenny Rowley
John Macmillan
Hilary Bentley (News)
Kathy Smith
Mags Burridge
Matt Walsh (Technical)
Moira Brooks-Effard (Admin)
Nic West
Nigel Roberts (Technical)
Poppy Bristow
Ralph Burridge
Tim Butler