Canberra considers plan to sustain community broadcasting
Posted on 11 Mar 2025
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
Legislative reforms aimed at modernising community broadcasting operations are among a range of recommendations contained in a new report designed to boost the sustainability of the sector.
The Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review commenced in March 2023 with an independent evaluation of the Community Broadcasting Program (CBP).
This was followed by the release of a discussion paper in June 2024 and extensive consultation with industry and peak sector bodies and the public.
The review found that faced with falling revenue and rising operational costs, some community broadcasters were forced to rely on CBP funding to survive.
The recently released findings report identified opportunities to make the CBP more effective by examining funding priorities, processes and outcomes.
The report made four recommendations to government relating to three priority areas of CBP funding:
- structure and outcomes
- legislative and regulatory changes
- funding and licensing of the of the First Nations broadcasting and media sector.
An additional three recommendations were directed at the community broadcasting sector.
“Community broadcasting is at the heart of local communities, providing millions of Australians with localised and diverse news, information, and entertainment. It’s vital to a strong and healthy media landscape.”
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the review – an Albanese government election commitment – recognised the important role of community broadcasters in contributing to local stories and media diversity.
“Community broadcasting is at the heart of local communities, providing millions of Australians with localised and diverse news, information, and entertainment. It’s vital to a strong and healthy media landscape,” said Rowland.
“That’s why we committed to undertaking this review, working closely with industry to identify the best way forward to ensure the community broadcasting sector is sustainable into the future.”
Rowland said the government would now consider the report's findings.
The release of the report follows Canberra’s recent announcement of a three-year, $27 million cash injection for community broadcasting and First Nations media.
More information
Christmas comes early for community broadcasting with $27 million funding boost
50 not out: celebrating half a century of community broadcasting