New report finds community radio delivers double the local music content of commercial networks

At a time when global streaming algorithms are making it harder for Australian artists to be heard, a new report has for the first time quantified the economic, social, and cultural heavy lifting undertaken by Australia’s community radio music stations to discover and nurture local grassroots talent.

The Community Radio and Australian Music: Building The Music Media Ecosystem report found Australia’s community radio music stations generate an estimated $153 million in added value to the music industry annually, broadcasting more than double the volume of local music played by commercial networks.

Funded by the Australian Research Council, and with industry partners including the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and the Community Broadcasting Foundation, the report’s findings will be officially launched today (Monday 18 May) at the Victorian Music Development Office conference, Music Data and Insights Summit 2026.

The report’s lead author, Associate Professor Shane Homan from Monash University’s School of Media, Film and Journalism, says “Our findings prove that community radio is not just a broadcasting platform; it is the vital infrastructure holding up the broader Australian music industries.”

“As digital streaming platforms dominate and local music struggles for visibility, these stations act as the ultimate champions for grassroots talent. They are the essential link connecting local artists with passionate audiences who are eager to discover new music and actually show up to support it.”

The report used a Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology to map the value of volunteer hours, local airplay, and artist promotion against commercial sector benchmarks.

Researchers also utilised a nationally representative survey of 9,915 Australians conducted by the CBAA, as well as financial and airplay data from 10 case-study stations, interviews with station staff, listeners and leading Australian musicians.

The research concluded that community radio stations are a key source of local music discovery and spending.

In 2023, 30 per cent of weekly listeners (1.6 million Australians) discovered a local or emerging artist by listening to community radio. 28 per cent of listeners looked up an artist on digital platforms like Spotify after hearing them on community radio, while 19 per cent recommended an artist to friends or shared them online, and more than 1.3 million listeners went on to buy merchandise, music or gig tickets.

Despite more than one million Australians saying that community radio is the only broadcaster that plays the Australian music that they want to listen to, Professor Homan says the value of this sector is being overlooked by the broader music industry. 

“These listeners aren’t just passive consumers; they are a dedicated audience that the commercial platforms are failing to serve. Community radio is filling a gap, providing the essential support for Australian artists that is increasingly absent elsewhere in the industry,” he said.

The report underscores the vital role of First Nations community radio stations, which make up one third of the country’s top 39 most music-intensive stations.

It also found the community radio sector serves as a critical training ground for Australia’s future music media workforce.

Researchers say the findings confirm that community radio is far more than a local service, it remains the lifeblood of Australian music.