ACMA has sent another message to the community radio sector, that it expects stations to manage themselves well and to encourage community participation. In a decision this week ACMA has decided to impose licence conditions on Muswellbroook’s community radio station, Mt Helen FM, to ensure it improves in these areas.

Mt Helen FM broadcasts in the Muswellbrook area of New South Wales on 101.7 MHz.
Acting ACMA Chair, Lyn Maddock told radioinfo: “The imposition of additional conditions on Mt Helen FM’s licence is intended to assist it to increase community participation in the service and ensure that it complies with the requirements for a community radio broadcaster.”

The conditions are designed to improve Mt Helen FM’s financial capacity, management capacity and access as well as participation at the station.

Mt Helen FM’s community broadcasting licence was renewed on 27th October 2004 for a five year period. However, the licensee was advised at the time of renewal that additional conditions may be imposed on its licence to address concerns identified during the renewal process. The concerns related to access and participation by members of the community in the operations and programming of the service, and the capacity of the licensee to continue to provide the service, including matters of corporate governance.

“ACMA hopes that the imposition of the conditions will provide the community living in the Muswellbrook licence area with an accessible service that meets their needs and is also accountable to the community,” Maddock added.