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CBAA’s 2020 AGM – community radio creatively responding, pulling together and collaborating

Wendy.McWilliam, 1st December 2020
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Phillip Randall, CBAA’s President, opened the 2020 CBAA AGM last month by commending everyone involved in the hundreds of community radio stations around Australia – stations which strive to contribute to an inclusive, cohesive and diverse Australia, who pursue democracy, access and equity, who support and develop local arts and music and who invite with open arms those who want to join them in this great sector we share.

“Without a doubt this year will go down as one of the most challenging times ever for our communities. Yet, it has showcased the vital work community radio does during a crisis.”

Phillip emphasised the importance of the CBAA’s work to ensure a supportive regulatory environment and lead projects such as the Community Media Multiplatform Distribution Project, and the Digital Radio Project to support the sector with a future focus. 

Strong organisations with adequate resources ensure the sector remains agile and that is why the CBAA continues to advocate for an increase in funding for stations for development and operations.

“This is an exciting time for community radio – as we play a pivotal role in the changing media landscape, safeguarding local news, information and reporting, and being the true voices of our community. We need to continue to be trusted.”

Phillip thanked the dedicated CBAA board and staff who showed flexibility and support during this challenging year. 

The 2021 board appointments included the re-election of Jacquie Riddell as Vice President along with Anne Frankenberg and Quinn Glasson re-appointed as ordinary Board members. Hannah Rogers from Edge Radio in Hobart was elected as an ordinary Board member to join continuing Board members, Peter Rohweder and Emma Hart.

Maddy Macquine continues in her role as Women and Gender Non-Conforming People’s Representative, while this year's nominee for Youth Representative was Gabrielle Andolfatto.

Thank you to outgoing Board member Dan Ahern and Youth Representative Molly George for their support and contribution to the CBAA over the last two years.

CBAA’s CEO, Jon Bisset, acknowledged that this year has been a year like no other, affected by bushfires and COVID-19

‘I'm proud of how everyone is creatively responding, pulling together and collaborating.”

While we continue to operate in an environment of uncertainty, Jon emphasised that the need for local and regional information is greater than ever, as regional media closes and centralised media conglomerates produce more syndicated, generic content.

“Vibrant, thriving community-owned and operated, independent media is even more critical to our wellbeing and our democracy.” 

The full details of the last year are outlined in the CBAA Annual Review 2019/20.

 

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