Community broadcasters take the message to Canberra

The community broadcasting sector has called on government to include it in digital radio’s roll out to regional areas.

60 politicians and members of the community broadcasting sector met at Parliament House Canberra today. There was fence-mending to be made after budget cuts by the Federal Government. But there were also insights made available – such as how five million listen to 444 of its radio stations each week and 1.5 million tune into its TV stations, and that an average consumer listens or watches 1.45 hours of community broadcasting per week.

In an eloquent address, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) President Adrian Basso drew on stories of the passion of volunteers, the role stations play in the community, and encouraged politicians to utilise community broadcasters to get their messages to their constituents. He also stated that “we see our future as being free to air broadcasting.”

Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull in turn said he was aware of community broadcasting’s role in its diversity and localism, and tackling issues ignored by mainstream media. “Committed as we are to Australia’s diversity, we are committed to community broadcasting,” he promised.

This comes at a time when community TV has launched an online campaign for support. Turnbull is yet to ratify ACMA’s extension of the Broadcast Services Licences to 2019.

The sector is nervous that the Government is shuffling its feet because community TV ratings are low compared to the ABC and SBS. It is pushing the point that community licenses be based on value to community.

Also represented at the Canberra meeting were the Australian Community Television Association, the Australian Indigenous Community Association, the Community Broadcasting Foundation), National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting Council, Christian Media Australia and RPH Print Radio.