4 May 2017
The Turnbull Government has today announced new funding of $6.1 million over two years for the community radio sector to support digital radio services and one-off spectrum reorganisation costs for analogue radio services.
The funding announced as part of the Federal Government’s Budget 2017-18, is in addition to $15 million per annum already provided through the Community Broadcasting Program.
Of the funding, $1.9 million will be allocated in 2017-18 and $2 million in 2018-19 to assist the community radio sector with the costs of digital radio broadcasting, including for the planned expansion of digital radio to permanent services in Hobart, Canberra, Darwin and the Gold Coast.
The Government will allocate the remaining $2.2 million funding in 2017-18 to assist community radio broadcasters affected by the implementation of the Australian Communication and Media Authority’s long term strategy for the 803-960MHz band. This additional one-off investment will support the ongoing sustainability of some stations to ensure continued delivery of community radio services to their audiences.
Community radio stations play an important role in the diversity of Australia’s media and broadcasting sector and draw on the skills and expertise of thousands of paid employees and volunteers. There are over 440 community radio stations in Australia, transmitting to more than 5 million people each week. The size of the network makes community radio Australia’s largest independent media sector.
The Government’s investment in the community broadcasting sector allows the continued development of content, training for workers, transmission infrastructure, online services and the broadcasting of Australian music. Funding for community radio also ensures the production of content for Indigenous and ethnic channels and for Australians with print disability.
More information on community radio is available at: www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/radio/community-radio