Hope 103.2 has announced the closure of its Hope News service, citing several years of intense economic pressure across the charity and media sectors and the rising cost of sustaining a dedicated news operation.
The decision brings to an end the broadcaster’s foray into standalone news and current affairs, which launched in 2019 with the aim of delivering trusted journalism informed by professionalism, integrity and a Christian worldview.
“This is a deeply painful decision,” Hope 103.2 CEO Phillip Randall said.
“Hope News has been delivered by an exceptional team of journalists who have served our audience faithfully, ethically and with great heart. We are incredibly grateful for their work and the contribution they have made to our ministry and to Australian media.”
A newsroom built to amplify Christian voices
Led by News Director Anita Savage, alongside journalists Sarah Wiedersehn and Jefferson Shaw, Hope News positioned itself as a specialist service focused on stories and perspectives often overlooked by mainstream outlets.
The team reported extensively on legislation and public inquiries affecting faith-based schools, aged care providers and religious freedoms, and regularly sought Christian perspectives on local, national and international issues.
Randall said the closure followed exhaustive attempts to keep the service viable.
“We have prayerfully explored and exhausted all reasonable options, and we have delayed this decision as long as we responsibly could,” he said.
“Ultimately, we must steward the ministry in a way that ensures its long-term strength and ability to serve listeners with hope.”
Hope 103.2 CEO Phillip Randall
‘Truth over sensationalism’
In a statement reflecting on the closure, Savage underscored the editorial purpose that guided the service.
“In this climate where truth is under siege, news that is trustworthy is more important than ever,” she said.
“Supporters of Hope News understood the need for balance and the quest for truth over sensationalism. The team at Hope News was dedicated to bringing the latest news in a way that would inform but not alarm.”
Savage pointed to coverage that she said no other outlet provided, including a Productivity Commission hearing into Special Religious Education in schools, debates around euthanasia in residential aged care facilities in NSW, legislation affecting employment at faith-based institutions, and issues impacting religious freedom.
“We held our political leaders to account and asked the questions others didn’t,” she said, referencing exchanges with NSW Premier Chris Minns and Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“We are so thankful for the supporters who prayed for us daily and understood the importance of being informed and engaging in the wider world. Thank you.”
News Director Anita Savage, alongside journalists Sarah Wiedersehn and Jefferson Shaw
Strategic reset for the broadcaster
Hope 103.2 acknowledged that the closure marks the end of a broader ambition to build a multi-platform news and current affairs offering.
“We believed Hope News could be the foundation of a broader Christian worldview approach to news and current affairs across multiple platforms,” Randall said.
“While we are unable to continue that work at this time, we remain committed to being a trusted source of truth, encouragement and hope.”
The broadcaster said it will refocus on its core mission of engaging audiences through music, storytelling and spoken-word content, with the option to revisit news and current affairs if its financial position improves.
“Our prayers are with our journalists and their families during this transition,” Randall said.
“We honour their professionalism and thank them sincerely for their service.”