The Australian Government recognises that the community broadcasting sector provides a valuable service to interest groups not specifically served by commercial, subscription or national broadcasters and contributes to the overall diversity of the broadcasting sector.
The Government has a long record of supporting community broadcasting, with financial support provided through the Community Broadcasting Program (CBP). The CBP is administered by the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF).
The CBF is an independent not-for-profit funding agency that seeks, secures and distributes funding to support the development, creativity and sustainability of community broadcasting in Australia. This funding assists community broadcasting organisations in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia to produce media by and for their communities.
Further information about the CBF, including grants available, can be found on the CBF website. Information about contacting the CBF can be found on the CBF contact page.
More information about community radio is available on the community radio page.
More information about community television is available on the Television page.
Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review
As part of the 2022 Federal Budget, the Australian Government committed to providing vital support for community broadcasting. This includes working with the sector to identify a sustainable funding basis for the future. As a result, on 28 October 2022, the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, announced a review of the community broadcasting sector, to be undertaken by the department in consultation with the sector. The review will:
- canvas stakeholder views and ideas
- consider priorities in an evolving media landscape
- identify support for First Nations broadcasting
- examine opportunities to increase the sector's sustainability
- consider the findings and recommendations of an independent evaluation of the Community Broadcasting Program (CBP).
Consultation on the review
The department will consult with the sector though the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) and peak bodies, including the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) and members and guests of the Community Broadcasting Sector Roundtable. To the extent possible, we will use existing opportunities for engagement such as the CBAA's annual conference, the Community Broadcasting Sector Roundtable and CBF Board meetings.
The department will take into account initiatives underway by the CBF to review its governance arrangements and the CBF and CBAA's joint development of a strategic roadmap for the sector. Both of these bodies of work will be important contributions to the review.
Evaluation of the Community Broadcasting Program
The department has engaged the Social Research Centre to undertake an independent evaluation of the CBP which includes a survey of licensees. This research will provide information on the extent to which assistance provided to licensees and grant applicants meets the needs of community media organisations. For more information about the survey visit the Social Research Centre’s website.
If you are interested in sharing your views and ideas on the sustainability of community broadcasting, or if you have any questions about the evaluation and survey you can email: communitybroadcasting@infrastructure.gov.au.
Further Information