The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has welcomed last Friday’s announcement of the policy framework for the introduction of digital radio.

The policy framework was launched at the Commercial Radio Australia conference by Communications Minister Helen Coonan, but is a blueprint for the whole radio industry.

Coonan’s announcement acknowledges the “vital role of community broadcasters” in the digital future, saying

“Without a coordinated approach and the involvement of existing commercial radio broadcasters, the two national broadcasters and community broadcasters, digital radio is unlikely to be a viable consumer proposition. ”

CBAA General Manager Barry Melville has welcomed the Minister’s announcement, telling radioinfo:

“The Government’s policy framework is an affirmation of the vital role that community broadcasting plays in upholding diversity in the broadcasting industry.”

Melville says the inclusion of community broadcasting in the policy framework “reflects years of work by the CBAA and its member stations,” the culmination of 15 years of consideration, trials, planning and analysis.

“This is a necessary first step for the Government in meeting its commitment to include community broadcasting in the digital radio environment on a basis affordable to not-for-profit community broadcasting stations … and the CBAA will continue to push for the further development of digital, particularly in regional Australia where stations are keen to supply new and innovative services for their listeners.”