The main issue is that , the community segment, listened to by a quarter of Australian radio listeners, and providing content generally unshackled by commercial interests will be struggling to keep up with the costs to move to the digital age.

In short, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia requires funding of $3.6 million per year to maintain digital radio infrastructure for the 37 metropolitan community radio stations that hold digital licenses. Having previously committed to the full amount of funding, in the May 2012 federal budget, the Government committed to only $2.2 million per year, for four years, leaving a $1.4 million per year shortfall.  

Some community orientated stations receive Government support whilst many have a passionate supporter base and volunteer group that keep sector not just broadcasting, but thriving.

Some community radio stations have managed to make the transition to digital broadcasting, though they are few and unfortunately, an expense such as the conversion to digital is almost impossible to cover using the conventional station income sources.  

Yet the switching off of analogue services could begin as early as 2021 (only eight years away).

“Our hope is that the Government doesn't want to see community digital radio services switched off either, and that they just require a little push to correct this budgetary mistake. We've probably been too quiet when we’re vying for attention as part of a government portfolio that also includes massive telecommunications corporations and commercial radio, and when (thanks to our subscribers and sponsors) we don’t normally need to ask the Government for a great deal. It seems it’s time for us to demonstrate that our community is large, diverse, and prepared to be vocal about our commitment to ensuring a broadcast future for community radio, but we really can’t do it without you.“ said David Houchin, Station Manager at 3RRRFM

“The Commit to Community Radio campaign,” continued Houchin “has been established to get this $1.4 million shortfall addressed. At only about $40,000 per station per year, it’s really not a lot of money in the scheme of things, but other stations aren’t as well supported as Triple R and the transmission infrastructure is shared, so we’re committed to a ‘one in, all in’ approach.  Unaddressed, this shortfall is likely to see community digital radio services switched off.”

Today – Wednesday 13th – is a national day of action were many of the affected stations in the community segment are attempting to raise awareness of the issue through a day of action by altering the normal program schedule to promote the plight of the sector and motivate fans and those so inclined to put their name to a national petition.

The Commit To Community Radio campaign website is here and the accompanying facebook page here.



Disclaimer: Mike Bantick is a volunteer presenter on 102.7 3RRRFM