Community Radio Wrap 2011

13 December 2011

The community radio sector continues to flourish, and there are now over 350 licensed community stations around the country covering a broad range of community interests and services and every type of music genre.

In 2011 community digital radio services were launched in the mainland capital cities of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide introducing both simulcast and new community services. The national digital launch was held at Triple R in Melbourne with the Federal Minster Senator Stephen Conroy formally launching services following the Federal Government announcement of $3 million in new content funding for community radio in the May budget.

Community radio maintains a strong commitment to supporting Australian music and locally produced content across all platforms. A national census of community stations just completed indicates an increase in the national average percentage of Australian music played to 37% (McNair Ingenuity Research). Full results will be released early next year and the sector-wide Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap) continues to increase its distribution and promotion of Australian music with multi-platform services supporting musicians, industry and community stations.

The national Community Media Training Organisation (CMTO) was established this year continuing the sector’s commitment to training and development for community broadcasters. In November over 200 people gathered on the Gold Coast for the CBAA national conference Culture & Content: Community Media in 2011 - more info at www.cbaa.org.au