The Albanese Government has welcomed the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review report, offering key findings and recommendations to strengthen and support Australia’s vital community media sector.
An election commitment, the Sustainability Review forms part of the Government’s efforts to work with the sector to identify a sustainable funding basis – recognising the important 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.
“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,” says Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
“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.”
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.
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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 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,” comments Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.
“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.”
The Government is firmly committed to ensuring Australians continue to benefit from a strong and sustainable community broadcasting sector, recently announcing an additional $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.
Ensuring a sustainable future for community broadcasting will rely on a coordinated approach to strategy and communications, involving collaboration between government, funding bodies, and sector leaders.
The Government will consider the report and work with stakeholders to progress the findings.
