“Sorely needed.” CBAA welcomes funding boost for community radio

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has welcomed the Albanese government’s announcement of $27 million extra funding for community radio and television.

It says the this will ease the pressure on the existing grant funding programs that are struggling to meet the demand from local stations and the communities they serve.

Community broadcasters deliver over 500 AM/FM/DAB+ services and two dedicated TV services that reach over 5.19 million people across Australia each week – almost one-quarter (24.8%) of Australians.

The new funding grant, announced today by Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland and Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, includes $15 million over three years for the Community Broadcasting Program and $12 million over three years for the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program

CBAA CEO Jon Bisset says “The additional funding announced today is sorely needed. The existing programs have not been funded to keep pace with rising costs nor respond to the contemporary challenges and needs of broadcasters.”

 “Throughout 2024, community broadcasters have been participating in industry-wide consultation process as part of the government’s Community Broadcasting Sustainability Review. This process is ongoing and is considering the sector’s legislative, regulatory and ongoing funding needs for a long-term, sustainable future.”

“We are very pleased the government are responding to station’s needs with urgency and moving on additional funding now.”

 “As the Sustainability Review comes to a conclusion, we will continue to work with the government to secure adequate, long-term resourcing that supports community broadcasters to elevate their positive impact in communities.”

The Albanese government has also announced an investment of $153.5 million over four years to support local news, public interest journalism and media literacy.