The Community Radio sector’s annual conference has begun in Sydney.

CBAA General Manager John Bisset opened the conference, telling delegates the community sector’s work is important in the media landscape. Delegates heard that the sector is “not about dollars” but about serving the community. 

CBAA President Adrian Basso told delegates: “We are a strong sector with 5.2 million weekly listeners to community radio, 29% of Australians… We are local voices, telling local stories.”
 
Basso said digital radio will “still remain a challenge that must be fought to make sure community broadcasting will be on digital radio… This is a one way journey, once the train leaves, it we are left on the station we will be left behind.”

The CBF’s Peter Bachelor told the conference: “Community broadcasting enjoys support from all political parties, but it’s passive support so we struggle to retain top of mind with the decision makers… Each station should establish and maintain a relationship with local MPs so that community radio does stay at top of mind..

“You should remind everyone of the value that Australian’s place on community broadcasting by telling them about the support for community radio as shown by the surveys and the amount of people who supported the Commit to Community Radio campaign… The sector should speak with a single united voice.”

See more details of the conference agenda here.