Invest in Community Radio Resilience and Innovation - 2022 Federal Election

Community radio has played a vital role in supporting communities through the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters.

Our stations have provided timely and culturally-sensitive local information. They're exploring new business models with their local publishers to support public interest journalism. They've strengthened community connections and resilience by fundraising and supporting community groups. They've supported Aussie artists who've lost income by increasing airplay. And they've comforted those most isolated through innovative music and spoken word programming.

Federal Government funding is the important backbone that underpins our sector's work. An increased investment ensures our stations have a strong base from which to innovate, and that major sector-wide projects are secured.

Our ask: In the 2022 Federal Election, the CBAA is seeking an increase in sector funding to $25m per annum. 

This is a long-standing policy position for the CBAA. The extra $5m per annum will support strong station operations and resilience, allowing a steady base from which to innovate.

$25m per annum also secures funding ongoing for major sector projects like DAB+ digital radio, online and multiplatform infrastructure, news and training.

Currently, ~$20 is projected in the Forward Estimates until 2022/23, before it drops back to ~$16m from 2023/24. A baseline of $20m secures major national projects. An increase to $25m per annum will strengthen station operations and resilience.

How you can help

In the last two election campaigns, we have focused on connecting our stations with local members and supporting you to build these relationships.

MPs and Senators who have a relationship with their local community radio station/s are strong advocates. They see the value of our stations firsthand. This elevates our sector with Government, but it can also directly benefit your station. Connected local members provide support through sponsorship and other means.

Throughout the election, we need you to engage with your local candidates - on air, online, and at events. We encourage you to consider:

• Interviewing local candidates on air.
• Hosting local meet the candidate events and undertaking OBs.
• Inviting candidates to your station events.

While you have your local candidates atention, ask them if they will support the CBAA's calls to increase funding by $5m for the sector.

Tips and tools to help you

• Read our info sheet, which includes info about how you can support our $5m ask and political interview tips.
• Watch our recent webinar on-demand for political interview tips.
• Check the rules in regards to broadcasting political matter and election coverage.

Let us know your plans

We want to promote your great engagement!

Let us know what you have planned and/or how we can support you. Please email your updates, picture and questions to CBAA's Head of Advocacy and Communications, Holly Friedlander Liddicoat at [email protected].

There’s also the chance to win $2,000 a week by sending in your photos to the CCA and Our Community’s competition Poli-pix.