The community broadcasting sector have welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of $27 million in extra grant funding for community radio and television to be delivered over the next three years. The funding was announced today by Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP and Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. There is also an investment of $153.5 million over four years to support local news, public interest journalism and media literacy.
The new funding includes:
• $15 million over three years for the Community Broadcasting Program
• $12 million over three years for Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) CEO Jon Bisset said:
“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. We are very pleased the Government are responding to station’s needs with urgency and moving on additional funding now.”
During 2024, community broadcasters have been participating in an industry-wide consultation process as part of the Government’s Community Broadcasting Sustainability Review. This process, which is ongoing, assesses the sector’s legislative, regulatory and ongoing funding needs for a long-term, sustainable future.
Bisset said:
“Community broadcasting is driven by over 18,000 volunteers and almost 1,000 employees working for the wellbeing of their communities. These stations provide independent news and share local-level information that other media does not, they build community resilience in the face of disasters, they cater for diverse artistic tastes and provide a vital platform new Australian music. They reflect Australia’s diversity and make our society stronger.”
The $12 million of new funding announced mean that community broadcasters can apply for competitive grant funding through The Community Broadcasting Program. As recognised in the Government’s Community Broadcasting Sustainability Review Discussion Paper, and Program Evaluation, this grant program is a historically oversubscribed program. The funding shortfall in 2024/25 is at least equal to $11 million.
This funding is the first meaningful increase in a decade for First Nations community broadcasters. The Community Broadcasting Program will also be able to help community television rebuild services following the passing of the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) Bill 2024 in April this year extended the licences of Channel 31 Melbourne and Channel 44 Adelaide.
2024 is the 50th anniversary of the CBAA.