Because of the tight timetable for the formation of digital radio Joint Venture companies, the Community Radio sector has not been able to commit to part ownership of digital radio transmission multiplexes. This will not lock community radio stations out of digital radio, but will change the ownership structure of the transmitters.

Community stations will now pay as ‘access seekers’ for their shared digital transmissions, rather than being part-owners of the transmitters through Joint Venture companies in each state.

ACMA requires Joint Venture companies to be set up because digital radio transmitters (called Multiplexes) transmit all stations’ signals from the one transmission site, rather than the analog transmission method, where each station owns its own towers and transmission equipment.

The deadline for those JV companies to apply for licences from ACMA is May 9.

Over many months, commercial and community stations have been negotiating to get into bed together as JV partners, as required by ACMA, but community stations have decided that they cannot commit to joint ownership without a guarantee of funds from the government. This guarantee has not come through in time, so the community sector has decided not to assume joint ownership and to opt to become ‘access seekers’ and pay-as-they-go for transmission.

All commercial stations have joined the JV companies, which will now be registered and licenced by ACMA.

The ABC and SBS will join together to operate a dfferent set of multiplexes to broadcast their signals.

See our earlier story on progress to JV ownership by clicking below.