Community radio goes digital on the Gold Coast

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has officially launched DAB+ for community radio stations on the Gold Coast.

Three stations, 4CRB, Juice, and Radio Metro, are now available to audiences via free-to-air DAB+ digital radio across the Gold Coast following a testing period that commenced in September 2022.

This makes these three stations the first community radio stations to broadcast via DAB+ outside of Australia’s capital cities.

CEO of the CBAA, Jon Bisset, says, “This is good news for both community radio stations and their audiences on the Gold Coast. More listeners will be able to enjoy the diverse range of content on offer from 4CRB, Juice and Radio Metro with the added quality that the format provides.”

“While digital broadcasting may have only just begun for the Gold Coast, the CBAA continues to work with community broadcasters around Australia to ensure the continued quality of their service.  We are also striving to bring DAB+ to more stations and to expand the reach of digital community radio into other non-metro locations.”

The CBAA hosted an event with local stations to celebrate the official launch, featuring speeches by the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, Member for McPherson, Karen Andrews and Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate.

The Minister congratulated those involved through a video message and says, “Community broadcasting services operate at the heart of local communities”.

“It acts as a lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source for local news and information, and a platform for diverse voices and Australian artists to be heard”.

The rollout of community digital radio services in all locations across Australia is managed through the CBAA with the support of Federal Government funding through the Community Broadcasting Foundation.

 

Main Photo: Juice’s Susie Holt, CBAA Vice President Peter Rohweder, Hon Karen Andrews MP, Radio Metro’s Justin Smart, Mayor of the City of Gold Coast Tom Tate, and 4CRB’s Colin Balewski.