MTR dies

Troubled Melbourne talk station MTR was shut down at 5pm today with its joint venture owners Pacific Star Network and Macquarie Radio Network turning the station off.

The website has also been removed, as has the live stream. Drive presenter Luke Grant farewelled listeners before throwing to the final news bulletin, at which point the station was turned off.

‘‘I’m told that’s it for MTR’’ Grant said on the air just prior to the 5pm news ‘‘I’m sad to say that, but I just have to tell you that. I think I would have to say on behalf of everyone who has worked here we’ve really appreciated your support over the past two years, sadly, not everything turns out the way that you would like. I wish we were here for longer but we are not. Thank you for listening and maybe we will meet some other day down the line"

There was confusion when following Grant's goodbye, the newsreader got midway through her first story before being told that the bulletin had not been required. Remaining on the air, however apparently not realising it she said "I’m really sorry, I thought that I was doing one last bulletin, I know you guys have worked your butts off and no matter what the ratings were one way or the other it doesn’t change the way you do your day.’’

Earlier today, the station was broadcasting as usual the Chris Smith program on relay from 2GB, however the 1377 frequency is now simulcasting the MyMP digital service.

Pacific Star CEO Barrie Quick commented this afternoon "After our joint venture partners took the course of action they did yesterday we have no alternative but to close the station effective of five o'clock today". 

He said "the future of the on-air presenters was in Macquarie Radio's hands, the talent and the employees are employed by 2GB.'

Whilst this outcome was the expected one from many, spare a thought for the staff of MTR – many of whom today will have lost their jobs.