The major parties have responded to the release of the community radio listenership survey figures by restating their policies on the sector.
Democrat Communications spokesperson, John Cherry, says in a time of standardised and monopolised mainstream media, community broadcasting is vital to local communities.
“Community radio is not just about music and information; it is also about strengthening communities and enabling people to be a part of their local media. It provides valuable training and jobs for young and old, and also access for people from indigenous and ethnic communities.
“However, funding for community broadcasting development has declined, in real terms, by 6% and average core funding per station is 43% lower since the introduction of targeted funding in 1996. Yet, the sector has grown by almost two thirds over the same period.
“This Government has received windfalls of around $260 million through the sale of commercial radio licences and none of this money has been reinvested in community broadcasting.”
The Coalition says: “The Howard government recognises the community sector is unique in the broadcasting industry for its diversity, independence and commitment to providing the community with a platform for expressing views and ideas. During the past eight years, the Government has significantly increased funding to community radio, committing $5.4 million in 2003/04… and will continue to provide significant support.”
Community broadcasting sector organisations have sought election commitments from all major parties to increase recurrent annual core funding by $10.8 million. Those extra funds would be channeled into programming, accredited training, capital infrastructure and transmission access support.
Labor’s Shadow Minister, Lindsay Tanner, says his party supports the community broadcasting sector as a vital part of our national media landscape.
“Community broadcasting is an equal partner along with the commercial broadcasters and national broadcasters (ABC and SBS) in the provision of quality news, information and entertainment services for all Australians.
“A Latham Labor Government will provide funding of $1.5 million over three years for the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project – AMRAP – so that it can continue to deliver its key objective: promotion of contemporary
Australian music through the community broadcasting sector.
“Labor will maintain the current level of funding for our community broadcasting sector and will review further funding opportunities before our first budget.”
Greens Senate candidate, John Kaye, says: “An extra $11 million is a tiny price to pay to secure a more diverse and inclusive media industry in this country. The Greens see community radio as a vehicle for strengthening communities and encouraging participation in society and culture at a local level.
“The Greens call on both the Coalition and Labor to meet and even exceed the community radio sector’s funding request. It’s a modest proposal from a sector that runs on a shoestring at the best of times.”