A series of community service announcements promoting the Drought Relief Appeal will be aired on commercial radio stations across Australia in the coming weeks to help support Australian farmers.

“Radio stations including regional radio stations, as far afield as Tasmania, and networks including Southern Cross Broadcasting, DMG, Austereo, RG Capital, Grant Broadcasting, Capital Radio, ARN, Bathurst Broadcasters, 2SM Network, ACE Broadcasters and Macquarie are supporting the appeal,” said Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner.

“The commercial radio industry is proud to support the Drought Relief Appeal and will provide the community service announcements and air time free of charge – a contribution from commercial radio operators of around a million dollars in air-time to this important cause.”

“Regional Australia is the backbone of many industries – and is a crucial component of the commercial radio industry throughout Australia. Radio is also leading the way in exhibiting a whole of industry approach to this very worthwhile exercise.”

“Supporting this important initiative allows the radio industry as a whole to show its strong commitment to regional Australia and will also help raise awareness about the impact of the drought and its devastating effect on rural communities and their economies. Commercial radio is the only arm of the media to offer industry wide support to this appeal.”

Warner said the Drought Relief Appeal was a very worthwhile endeavor and the organisers and companies involved, as well as the Australian Red Cross, should be congratulated for their efforts.

“It is fantastic to see corporate Australia working with the Australian Red Cross to help support Australian farmers during this drought and the commercial radio industry is very happy to be involved in such a worthwhile project,” Warner said.