New national research has highlighted the significant cultural, social and economic contribution community radio makes to Australian music, artists and local music communities across the country.
Launched today at the VMDO Music Data & Insights Summit, the report Community Radio and Australian Music: Building the Music Media Ecosystem examines the value and Social Return on Investment (SROI) of Australia’s network of community radio music stations and their role within the broader Australian music ecosystem.
The research found 292 community radio music stations contribute more than $153 million annually to the Australian music industries and generate returns of up to $5.55, with a median return of $2.47 across high-intensity stations for every dollar invested.
Delivered through the Australian Research Council Linkage Project Community Music Radio: Building the Music-Media Ecosystem (2023–2026), the research combines Social Return on Investment modelling with qualitative fieldwork conducted at stations across Australia.
The report highlights the critical role community broadcasters play in:
- discovering and championing emerging Australian artists
- supporting local live music scenes
- amplifying diverse Australian voices and genres
- creating pathways for artists and broadcasters
- connecting audiences with local music and culture generating income for artists, venue and events
Researchers worked with community broadcasters, artists, listener focus groups and industry stakeholders to better understand how stations contribute to artist development, music discovery and community connection.
The project included interviews and workshops with artists, broadcasters, music industry representatives and policy-makers, alongside case studies from stations across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia.
Associate Professor Shane Homan said the findings confirmed what artists and audiences have understood for decades: “These stations provide critical first exposure for artists who are often overlooked elsewhere, while also creating direct economic benefits for the wider music industries.”
Community radio and Australian music by the numbers
Community broadcasting remains one of Australia’s most important platforms for Australian music and diverse voices.
Key findings from the report and broader sector data include:
- Community radio music stations contribute more than $153 million annually to the Australian music industries.
- Up to $5.55 returned for every $1 invested (median return of $2.47 for the top 39 high-intensity stations)
- Community radio stations broadcast more than 390,000 hours of Australian music annually.
- Community broadcasting reaches more than 5.39 million Australians every week.
- The sector includes more than 500 community-owned and operated radio services across Australia.
- 62% of listeners say they listen to community radio to hear Australian music.
- Community broadcasting is powered by approximately 18,100 volunteers.
- Around two-thirds of the community broadcasting sector is made up of music-focused stations.
- Across all community radio stations, the sector plays 37% Australian music, exceeding the 25% quota required under the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice.
The report also reinforces the sector’s important role in supporting music diversity and discoverability at a time when Australian artists face increasing challenges in reaching audiences through global digital platforms.
As outlined in Roadmap 2033, community broadcasting continues to play a critical role in amplifying Australian music, arts and creative industries, while strengthening local communities and media diversity across the country.
Community Radio: Our National Sound
The project also informed the development of Community Radio: Our National Sound, a new podcast series featuring Australian musicians reflecting on the important role community radio has played in their careers and creative journeys.
The series features conversations with Sarah Blasko, DOBBY, Mo'Ju, L-FRESH The LION, Bad//Dreems, Body Type and Annie Hamilton, highlighting the unique relationship between Australian artists and community broadcasters.
L-FRESH The LION said community radio delivered direct audience outcomes for emerging artists, “if we went and did a live performance on air at a community radio station the day before the show, we were selling a minimum of 20 to 30 tickets the next night. And that’s huge when you’re trying to break into new spaces,” he said.
“I’ve had almost no commercial airplay. So my whole career has been built on community radio and ABC stations,” said Sarah Blasko.
Acknowledgements
This research was delivered through the Australian Research Council Linkage Project Community Music Radio: Building the Music-Media Ecosystem (2023–2026), led by researchers from Griffith University and Monash University and supported by organisations across the community broadcasting and Australian music sectors.
This project would not have been possible without
The report provides further evidence to the importance of community radio to support new Australian acts – a success all stations can share in.
We also acknowledge the contribution of participating stations and their staff, volunteers and listener communities, including fbi.radio, Rhema FM, Triple R, RTRFM, 4ZZZ, Three D Radio, Edge Radio, 8CCC, PAW Media and Ngaarda Media, alongside the artists, broadcasters, listener focus groups and industry representatives who contributed to the research.
To find out more about the report please contact CBAA support at [email protected].
smol fish, RTR In the Pines festival, 2023