Radar Radio suspends broadcast following allegations of sexual harassment

Internet radio station Radar Radio has suspended its broadcast indefinitely following an allegation of sexual harassment from a former employee. There has subsequently been a mass exodus of DJs from the station, which based in east London.

The first allegation of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior from members of staff came from former producer Ashtart Al-Hurra. In an April 13 blog post she wrote that she was harassed “fucking tonnes by dickhead DJ dudes” during her time at the station. She also alleged that she was made to sign a confidentiality form by HR.

Al-Hurra told her story following a statement from Pxssy Palace, a queer WOC feminist DJ collective who exited Radar earlier this month. In their departing statement they claimed to have been victims of tokenism and oppression by Radar.

Radar responded to that allegation with their own statement: “We were very concerned and disappointed to see the statement from Pxssy Palace suggesting that we are getting some important aspects wrong.” They claimed to “have taken immediate action to review and assess any shortcomings with the input of all Radar staff, especially those who are female, LGBTQI+ and POC.”

On April 16 Radar ceased all broadcasting and released a statement on saying it will remain off air “until we are in a position to address the recent commentary around aspects of the station.”

This followed a mass exodus of DJs and presenters in solidarity with Al-Hurra. At the time of writing more than 70 of the stations many DJs have announced their departure.

The FADER has contacted Radar Radio for comment.