The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) today announced the appointment of Michele Bawden, one of the sectors most experienced and knowledgeable identities, as General Manager.

Commenting on her appointment, Michele said, “I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to lead the CBAA. While there are plenty of challenges ahead for our sector, I have faith in our ingenuity, resilience and creativity.”

Michele has over 20 years of experience in the community broadcasting sector starting as a volunteer at 3BBB and training as a journalist at the Victorian Public Broadcasting Association. She has since worked in programming and management for 3CR Melbourne, 2SER Sydney and 8KIN Alice Springs alongside extensive national experience through her involvement with the CBAA Board and the Community Broadcasting Foundation.

CBAA President Deborah Welch said “Michele has an outstanding combination of professional experience and an incredible passion for community broadcasting. She is the ideal person to lead Australia’s most diverse and interesting group of broadcasters.”

Community Broadcasting encompasses over 400 stations in metropolitan, regional and remote parts of the Australia, broadcasting in over 100 languages to a range of geographical and cultural communities. Over 20,000 people participate in community broadcasting stations, and, according to the 2006 national audience survey of community radio stations, over 7 million Australians regularly listen to their local station. The 2008 survey results are due in late September.

The CBAA is the national peak body for community broadcasting stations. It provides support and advice to members, to assist them in building strong communities through active community participation in broadcasting and media. It provides policy leadership and advocacy in advancing the interests of community broadcasting as the most diverse, independent and innovative sector of Australian media.

Michele Bawden takes up her position on September 29