THE majority of 2MCE presenters will no longer be able to do their programs as the community radio steps up its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The station will transition to phase two of its response from Friday, to coincide with the conclusion of on-campus classes at Charles Sturt University (CSU).
As a result, the majority of the station's live programming will be cancelled and the affected presenters asked to stay home.
Station manager Lisa McLean said 2MCE is committed to still providing some live content to keep supporting the community.
"The community needs to stay safe and stay home. They need to support each other, be kind to each other and it is really important that we stick to the facts, and for me that is why it is really important for to maintain some kind of live presence so we can get that information out to the community," she said.
On weekdays, 2MCE will continue have live content through its breakfast, Talking Newspaper, drive time and The Wire programming.
Over the weekend, only the breakfast programming will be live.
At other times, 2MCE will try to utilise Community Radio Network content similar to what is typically broadcast.
Ms McLean said it was a difficult situation, changing programming and going from about 70 presenters to less than 10, but it is necessary for the safety of staff and presenters.
"It's a huge drop, but when this is over every single person will be back in their time slot," she said.
Even though live broadcasting will be limited, the station wants to do what it can to support the community.
Already, 2MCE has been in contact with schools and community organisations to see what can be done.
"If there is anyway that 2MCE could help the community, and if there are any ideas people have on how we could help ... I'd love to hear from them," Ms McLean said.
People can share these ideas by sending an email to LMcLean@csu.edu.au.
The station will continue to review the situation and make changes if necessary.
If more measures are needed, 2MCE will implement phase three, which is full automation.
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