Communications Minister promises streamlined licence process for community broadcasters

At today’s Community Broadcasting Association Conference n Cairns, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland promised to streamline the licence renewal process for community radio broadcasters.

“I plan to introduce a bill aimed at providing greater regulatory clarity and certainty… it will also streamline the ACMA’s licencing processes,” she said.

Minister Rowland discussed the government’s $20 million commitment to the community broadcasting sector, announced in this week’s budget, telling conference delegatesn that the funding “will give the sector the certainty it needs.”

“It will help to ensure that more local content reaches more diverse audiences… it will also support enhanced services, news and upskilling of volunteers.

“Audiences trust community radio stations and the volunteers who run them.”

She talked about her visit to Braidwood FM and praised their crucial work during the bushfires.

“Strong community broadcasters build strong communities,” she said.