The Albanese Government is seeking views on how best to position and prepare the community broadcasting sector for the future, so it can continue its vital role in giving voice to diverse groups in the Australian community.
The discussion paper released today identifies three key priority review areas, including existing funding arrangements and outcomes measurement for the sector, as well as regulatory and legislative settings that impact the sustainability of community broadcasting.
Views are sought on priority areas including:
- how to increase sector sustainability, capability and capacity
- a shared outcomes framework to measure, monitor and demonstrate impact
- identifying emerging needs, for example local news and disaster response
- First Nations broadcasting funding and licensing
- consideration of regulatory issues.
The feedback will help to inform options to maximise innovation, growth in key areas, and the sustainability of the sector - so it has the support it needs to continue its important work.
Comments and submissions can be made online at infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say until 5pm AEST on Friday, 30 August 2024.
The work is part of the Government's Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability Review, being conducted in partnership with the sector.
Phase 1 of the review commenced in March 2023 with an independent evaluation of the Community Broadcasting Program. The evaluation found that the program is having a range of positive impacts, with funding making a meaningful difference to recipient organisations - but that improvements can be made, particularly when it comes to broader sector sustainability. The full evaluation report is available on the Community Broadcasting Program page.
