In a keynote speech at today’s CBAA Conference, Fiona Nash Minister for Regional Communications told broadcasters, “I’m a very big supporter of community radio. I’m  very conscious of the importance of Community Radio in our rural communities.”
 

She gave a shout out to 2YYY, her local community station in Young at the opening of her speech.
 
“Many people turn on their radios every day to access content from their community broadcasters. They want to be informed and entertained, but most importantly, to be connected to communities.
 
“As we see the changes in commercial radio, there are huge opportunities for the local content provided by community radio in regional Australia.”

Responding to comments by CBAA President Philip Randall about the cuts to community digital radio funding, Senator Nash told delegates: “I’ve heard your words about funding and will be speaking with Minister Fifield about the importance of having community stations on digital radio…”

“Community radio has a long term future and a real place of importance across this county, especially rural and remote communities.”

In an entertaining presentation after Senator Nash, Brian Nankervis hosted a live RockWiz competition and penned an ode to radio, called ‘I lost my heart to radio.’ See it in our related report.