17,000 people have signed a petition showing public support for securing community radio’s future.
The petition comes after the Federal Budget failed to maintain funding for metropolitan digital radio services in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Community radio has 5 million Australian listeners each week and 20,000 volunteers.
Community radio broadcasters say they are disappointed that a drop from the existing levels of funding support comes within a budget where commercial television and radio broadcasters are to benefit from immediate licence fee reductions, starting at 25 per cent and with more reductions under consideration.
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) CEO Jon Bisset said reduced support for community services raises serious concerns regarding the future of Australian media.
“Excluding community broadcasters from digital broadcasting threatens the whole community broadcasting sector’s key role in Australian free-to-air broadcasting,” said Bisset.
“The Federal Budget does not properly reflect the value the government places on these media services to contribute to public interest outcomes and media diversity, generate high levels of local and specialist content, and provide opportunities for participation in free-to-air media.
“This is particularly concerning given the planned reforms to media ownership, which are likely to result in a less diverse media landscape and less opportunities for community voices to be heard.”
Bisset said without community radio, the opportunities to share local stories and news and hear local voices will be incredibly limited.
“For over 40 years, Australian Governments have been committed to community radio standing alongside commercial and national radio services on available free-to-air broadcast platforms. Today, we see that position under threat,” said Bisset.
“We have worked closely with the government over the last six months to address this issue and ensure the future of the sector. We’re extremely disappointed and will be pursuing the issue further with the Minister for Communications, Senator Mitch Fifield.”