New sound from Lion FM

MELBOURNE’S Jewish radio station has a new leader of the pack. Following the resignation of Michael Lipshutz earlier this month, John Kraus has taken over the role as president of Lion FM.

The Mizrachi member faces the tough task of steering the station back on track after a troubled few weeks.

Lipshutz’s resignation came amid accusations that the board was censoring views that did not reflect board members’ opinions on Israel, and that the volunteers’ agreement that presenters were forced to sign impinged on their right to free speech.

There were also accusations these practices were in breach of the Australian Communication and Media Authority’s community radio standards, which require stations to promote diversity and encourage community participation.

Kraus, who has held a number of communal roles in recent years, including chairman of Leibler Yavneh College and treasurer of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, said he hopes to resolve these issues “quickly and efficiently, so the station can move forward”.

“I will be proposing that Lion FM establish an editorial board and a formal process for resolving disputes via a separate disputes committee. The editorial board and the disputes committee will be independent of the executive and contain representatives from across the community,” Kraus said.

Regarding the controversial volunteers’ agreement, Kraus said it would be reviewed and comments and suggestions from the community would be welcome. He added, “My hope is that Lion FM becomes the unofficial voice of the Melbourne Jewish community – a voice that is as diverse as it is rich and a voice of which we can be¬† proud.”

Lion FM presenter Bram Presser, who had refused to sign the agreement claiming it “dictates what the content and political bent of our show should be”, told The AJN he was encouraged by Kraus’ appointment. “We had a very productive conversation and I believe John has the station’s best interests at heart,” Presser said.

ZEDDY LAWRENCE