The Australian Federal Government has welcomed the report of the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, which provides findings and recommendations to government and industry on supporting this community media sector into the future.
An election commitment, the Government says the Sustainability Review forms part of the its efforts to work with the sector to identify a sustainable funding basis – recognising the role of community broadcasters in contributing to local stories and media diversity.
The review was undertaken in two phases, commencing in March 2023 with an independent evaluation of the Government’s Community Broadcasting Program (CBP), followed by the release of a discussion paper in June 2024 and extensive public consultation, including with industry and sector peak bodies.
The report outlines four recommendations for Government consideration across the three priority areas of CBP funding, structure and outcomes; legislative and regulatory changes; and First Nations funding and licensing.
The review found a reliance on CBP funding by some community broadcasters in the face of decreasing revenue and increasing operational costs. The report identifies opportunities to make the program more effective through reconsideration of funding priorities, processes and outcomes.
The report also examines potential reforms to support the sector to modernise its operations, as well as outlining specific issues and potential solutions in relation to the First Nations broadcasting and media sector.
A further three recommendations are directed at industry, highlighting scope for peak bodies to offer additional assistance and reflecting the shared responsibility of government, funding bodies, sector peak bodies and community broadcasters to support the sustainability of the sector.
The Australian Government says it is firmly committed to ensuring Australians continue to benefit from a strong and sustainable community broadcasting sector, recently announcing an additional AUD$27 million investment. This comprises $15 million through the CBP, including $3 million to support community television, and $12 million for the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program.
The Government says it will consider the report and work with stakeholders to progress the findings.
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, said: “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.
“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.
“We will now consider the report findings as we continue to support community broadcasting and First Nations media, delivering $27 million in additional funding over the next three years.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, added: “The First Nations broadcasting and media sector is a vital community resource, promoting connection to culture and language and supporting access to important information and services.
“We will closely consider the report’s recommendations with a view to ensuring First Nations journalists, broadcasters and media get the support they need – now and in the years to come.
“These efforts build on our $12 million investment through the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program, which recognises and supports the important work of First Nations media.”
To read the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review report, Click Here.
