These are the findings of new audience research into community radio listenership conducted by McNair Ingenuity between March and May 2006 and launched by Senator the Honorable Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

The results show that the number of Australians aged 15+ listening to community radio in an average month has risen from 7,054,000 people (45%) in 2004 to 7,515,000 people (47%) in 2006.

“That's more than four million listeners every week” commented the CEO of McNair Ingenuity Matt Balogh “...an audience that would be the envy of any commercial network.”

The most-cited reason for listening to community radio was for “local information/ local news”. Half of all community radio listeners provided this response. Another common theme for listeners is the local nature of the content, with almost half stating that “they play Australian music/ support local artists” as their reason for listening, 46% saying that they listen because they have ”specialist music or information programs”. “Diversity in the programming" was also a common response.

The results demonstrate a strong growth trend in community radio listening. Community broadcasters have taken the results as a solid endorsement of an independent, diverse and accessible community broadcasting sector.

General Manager of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Barry Melville, said “Listeners are turning to community radio because it is vibrant, relevant and connects with their local interests."

Mr Melville asserted that many radio listeners are "...searching for something different to mainstream format-driven radio. Every one of our 300+ stations are engaged with their community at the local level, finding out what they want and programming to meet those needs” he said. “Local news, specialist music, ethnic voices, whatever your interest - it's available on community radio. So it's not surprising that more people are tuning in.”

In launching the results the Minister stated "This is a clear demonstration of how people continue to value community radio. In rural and regional areas in particular, community radio is a strong and valued local voice.”

Mr Melville said "There are challenges ahead for the sector. The move to digital is certainly going to be a big task. But with hard work from the sectors 20,000 plus volunteers, we'll make that transition and take our audience with us."

The full survey results are available from CBOnline, www.cbonline.org.au