The community broadcasting sector has welcomed the launch of a new national cultural policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia says the policy recognises the important role of community broadcasting and acknowledges the need for Government action to “…increase support for community broadcasting to deliver local news, tell local stories, and provide a platform for diverse voices and Australian music.”

The policy also highlights the work of First Nations broadcasters in supporting and strengthening First Nations languages and connections to culture in communities across Australia.

CEO, Jon Bisset (pictured), says, “Community radio is the springboard that jumps artists from their garages to the charts.

“Gotye, Baker Boy, Courtney Barnett and thousands of other Australian musicians had their first airplay on community radio, found their audience and went on to find global success.”

The CBAA also applauds the decision to make the first pillar of the policy “First Nations First”, a decision which acknowledges First Nations stories at the centre of arts and culture in Australia.

“First Nations media organisations are essential champions of First Nations music, stories and culture. They nurture and support First Nations artists and are a conduit for the production and a promotion of their work.”

“Community radio connects artists with their audiences. It provides a platform for great art to be discovered, great music to be heard and great stories told to help us grow and learn as individuals and as a community.”

The CBAA says it strongly supports the new National Cultural Policy and welcomes the formation of Creative Australia, the Government’s new principal arts investment and advisory body, and welcomes the creation of Music Australia, a new body dedicated to investing in homegrown music.