Community radio goes digital on the Gold Coast

Community radio goes digital on the Gold Coast

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has officially launched digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) for community radio stations on the Gold Coast.

Three stations, 4CRB, Juice, and Radio Metro, will be available to audiences via free-to-air DAB+ digital radio across the Gold Coast following a testing period that commenced in September 2022. This makes these three stations the first community radio stations to broadcast via DAB+ outside of Australia's capital cities.

DAB+ offers advantages for listeners and greater broadcasting efficiency when compared to traditional AM/FM broadcasts. Free-to-air DAB+ digital radio receivers offer enhanced sound quality, on-screen information, and images. The format also allows for additional services, such as one-off broadcasts of events and seasonal radio. Free-to-air DAB+ radio receivers are now widely available, standard across most popular vehicles, and fitted in over 80% of new cars sold in Australia.

Jon Bisset, CEO of the CBAA said, “This is good news for both community radio stations and their audiences on the Gold Coast. More listeners will be able to enjoy the diverse range of content on offer from 4CRB, Juice and Radio Metro with the added quality that the format provides.”

The CBAA has also highlighted the importance of ongoing financial and legislative support for community broadcasters already broadcasting via DAB+.

“While digital broadcasting may have only just begun for the Gold Coast, the CBAA continues to work with community broadcasters around Australia to ensure the continued quality of their service.  We are also striving to bring DAB+ to more stations and to expand the reach of digital community radio into other non-metro locations.”

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia hosted an event with local stations to celebrate the official launch, featuring speeches by the Minister for Communications the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Member for McPherson the Hon Karen Andrews MP and Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate. The Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland congratulated those involved through a video message.

Minister for Communications the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said, “Community broadcasting services operate at the heart of local communities”.

“It acts as a lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source for local news and information, and a platform for diverse voices and Australian artists to be heard”.

The rollout of community digital radio services in all locations across Australia is managed by the CBAA with the support of Federal Government funding through the Community Broadcasting Foundation.

Contact: Joshua Cole, CBAA’s Digital Marketing and Communications Coordinator on 0407 706 270 or email [email protected]