What's New
BY Sarah Patterson June 2, 2026
What's New March 25, 2025
Transmission disrupted
Reporter
“It has to be one of the most exciting station launches in Australia.”
That was the verdict from Disrupt Radio Founder and CEO Benjamin Roberts shortly after the digital start-up burst onto the airwaves in June 2023, boasting high profile presenters like Libbi Gorr (main photo) and guest hosts the calibre of Sir Bob Geldof.
It promised a ground-breaking, rule defying, perception-challenging format, based on optimism and opportunity.
But things didn’t go according to plan.
Nearly two years on, it’s a very different story, with SEN – as its former studio provider – taking Disrupt to court over unpaid debts.
SEN applied to wind up the company, but the Supreme Court case was ‘dismissed by consent’ after the hearing on 12 March. As a result, Disrupt Radio – which ceased live broadcasting in August last year – will not be involuntarily liquidated.
A question mark still remains over the payment of reportedly outstanding wages.
In a brief statement via text following the ruling, Roberts told online news publication SmartCompany “The Supreme Court dismissal speaks for itself and supports everything the company is doing and achieving. I won’t be providing any running commentary on the specifics of our turnaround strategy, as I am sure you will understand.”
What happens next is unknown. Until then, it’s a continuing case of transmission disrupted.
High profile presenters on a startup DAB/Digital station just doesn’t work – maybe back in the earlier days when radio advertising was high
I think this was a great idea, and hope they pull through the challenges. With the number of job losses and poor network decisions we hear about every week, the industry needs lots of innovation and investment from new independent players.
Really loved this station and hope it comes back soon. We’re quietly cheering you on!
Such an amazing station and innovative format! I can’t wait for it to come back on air!
A good idea executed badly is better than a bad idea executed to perfection.
Honestly, with what you read in other media reports about the majority of their former staff being owed money, and owing SEN leasing fees for studio space, is there realistically even a 10% chance of Disrupt Radio being flicked back on?