Formal planning for the introduction of digital radio into Australia began in the early-1990s when the Government brought together the first of many committees who have explored the issues associated with the new platform.
Several digital radio trials have also taken place, including one in Melbourne that involved community broadcasters
3MBS,
3ZZZ,
3RPH, and
Triple R. These stations tested the possibilities of digital radio by providing full-time Greek languages, a system to provide artist information, and several concert feeds were also broadcast.
Following these trials, and many more committees, during the 2004 Federal Election the Government committed to working with industry and stakeholders to develop a policy for digital radio. In October 2005, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts announced a
framework to guide the introduction of digital radio into Australia.
The legislation to give effect the framework, the
Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Radio) Bill 2007, was passed in May 2007. This provides a clear outline for the introduction of digital radio.
Community broadcasters will initially have access to limited digital capacity in capital city markets and a level of funding to support initial infrastructure costs.