An initial draft apology, written by council and its legal team, was rejected by the radio station, with a second draft issued to 2SEA for review yesterday.

At the time of going to press it was confirmed that the likelihood of the second draft being accepted by the community radio station's representatives was slim.

2SEA radio broadcaster Phil McManus remains under a six month suspension for aired comments made about the former general manager Graeme Faulkner in January and February this year.

Mr McManus's appeal to have the suspension lifted was rejected at a special general meeting of Eden Community Radio on Tuesday night.

Station manager Terry Love said his suspension "stems from 2SEA procedural and code of conduct infringements."

He went on to say that, "It would be wrong for anybody to assume that all, or indeed any, of the allegations made by third parties against Phil McManus were found to be true."

An apology printed in the Magnet on April 17, was drafted by the radio station and approved by council but council has demanded a second apology, written by them, be circulated.

On March 20, a spokesperson said that council would not be funding any action against the radio station.

On April 22 council voted to employ Stuart Littlemore QC to draft the second apology, reneging on previous claims it would not use ratepayers' money to fund the case.

Councillor Hughes voted against the motion.

See next week's Magnet for details of the apology and an update on the case.