CBAA report on the state of community broadcasting

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia has released a report on the state of the community broadcasting sector.

According to the report the sector is well positioned with a record six million weekly listeners, 26,000+ volunteers and thousands of financial members and subscribers.

According to the CBAA report, radio continues to shine bright in Australia, with audience numbers remaining consistent over the past 15 years as a percentage of the population.

In 2018, 84% of Australians listened to any radio (commercial, ABC/SBS & community) in an average week with 62.3% of all audio listening being live Australian radio.

Audience research released by the CBAA in December 2018 shows that highest national listening audience on record with almost 6 million Australians listening to over 450 community radio stations each week – that’s 30% of Australians aged 15+ years.

Of these, 16% listen to community radio only (not commercial or ABC/SBS).

Awareness of community radio is also increasing, up to 77% in 2018, from 74% in the previous year.

Total income for the community broadcasting sector in 2016/17 was $96,122,119 while total sector expenditure was $92,947,799, which is 97% of sector income.

The sector is largely independently funded, with three quarters of total revenue generation through fundraising, sponsorship, member and subscription fees.

According to the CBAA this report encompasses data for a period of significant success and ongoing challenges and with more stations and listeners than ever,  the CBAA says it is evident that community radio remains ever important to Australians and provides services that address identified community needs and interests.
 
 

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