Community radio launches campaign over Budget shortfall

The Keep The Community In Your Radio campaign has been launched in the wake of the Federal Budget’s slashing funding from metropolitan community digital radio services in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) issued a statement: “The loss of $1.4 million per annum puts all community digital radio services at risk.

“Community radio broadcasters are especially disappointed that a drop from the existing levels of funding support comes within a budget where commercial television and radio broadcasters are to benefit from immediate licence fee reductions, starting at 25%, and with more reductions under consideration.”

An online petition has begun at cbaa.org.au. The community radio sector, with 444 stations and a weekly listening audience of 5 million, also plans to be vocal during the upcoming election campaign calling for both the Coalition and Labor to restore the funding if they win government.

The petition has already received over6,500 signatures. Sign the petition here.

CBAA CEO Jon Bisset says reduced support for community services raises serious concerns regarding the future of Australian media.

“Excluding community broadcasters from digital broadcasting threatens the whole community broadcasting sector’s key role in Australian free-to-air broadcasting.

“The Federal Budget does not properly reflect the value the government places on these media services to contribute to public interest outcomes and media diversity, generate high levels of local and specialist content, and provide opportunities for participation in free-to-air media.

“This is particularly concerning given the planned reforms to media ownership, which are likely to result in a less diverse media landscape and less opportunities for community voices to be heard.

“Without community radio, the opportunities to share local stories and news and hear local voices will be incredibly limited, and so too will be the chance to build engaged, resilient and vibrant communities through fair and meaningful access to broadcast media.

“For over 40 years, Australian governments have been committed to community radio standing alongside commercial and national radio services on available free-to-air broadcast platforms. Today, we see that position under threat.

“We have worked closely with the Government over the last six months to address this issue and ensure the future of the sector. We’re extremely disappointed and will be pursuing the issue further with the Minister for Communications, Senator Mitch Fifield.”