Sector Leadership Update: October 2018

Get the latest update on recent policy submissions and government relations efforts the CBAA has made on behalf of the community broadcasting sector.

This will be the first of a new bimonthly update, providing you with further information into our ongoing work.

Summary of Update

• The Australian Government released its response to the Select Committee on Future of Public Interest Journalism, in which the CBAA participated.
• The CBAA participated in a Public Hearing for the Inquiry into the Music and Arts Economy in New South Wales.
• The CBAA has made a submission to the Inquiry into the Australian Music Industry.

Public Interest Journalism

On Friday 24 August 2018, the Australian Government released its response to the Select Committee on Future of Public Interest Journalism. The future of public and community broadcasters in delivering public interest journalism, particularly in underserviced markets like regional Australia, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities was a key term of reference for the Committee.

The CBAA made two submissions in which we highlighted:

• community radio’s role in championing diversity in media, supporting underserved communities and as a training ground for future journalists;
• the importance of continuing with digitalisation of radio services into regional communities; and
• the need for greater funding certainty to enable community broadcasting to grow, especially through digitalisation.

Committee recommendations

The Committee's community broadcasting recommendation was significantly influenced by the CBAA submission:

“The committee recommends that the Commonwealth provide additional surety in future funding for the community broadcasting sector beyond the forward estimates, in particular, what component will be set aside for training and education, and ensure that the sector is fully consulted in the national rollout of digital services.”

Government Response

The Australian Government ‘noted’ the Committee’s recommendation, and acknowledged the importance of community broadcasting’s contribution to media diversity and providing a service to diverse groups. It emphasised its track record for supporting community broadcasting through the Community Broadcasting Program.

The Government response:

• describes the Government's support of community radio and its track record of digital consultation
• provides a picture of what future funding could look like, without providing surety, referencing the recent extra funding announced in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2017-18.

What's next?

The CBAA will continue to monitor the Government's response and implementation of the recommendations, ensuring that the information is used to inform our Government relations work on behalf of the sector.

The Music and Arts Economy in NSW

In July 2018, the CBAA made a submission to the Inquiry into the Music and Arts Economy in New South Wales, which is looking to find out how to better support a diverse and vibrant music and arts culture across NSW.

On Friday, 24 August 2018, representatives from FBi Radio and CBAA attended the public hearing.

The sector was very well received by the Committee, and the CBAA last week provided further information about how the State Government could better support community radio stations in their roles as vital promoters and supporters of local music scenes.

Get more information on the inquiry.

Inquiry into the Australian Music Industry

On 15 August 2018, the Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on factors contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Australian music industry.

The CBAA made a submission to the Committee, highlighting the strengths of the community broadcasting sector in supporting and fostering local music scenes and filling the gaps left by other broadcasting sectors.

What else has happened recently?

• Changes to the Broadcasting Services Act came into effect in September, placing a greater focus on stations broadcasting local content.
• The CBAA's leadership in broadcasting and industry planning, legislation, licensing and regulation on behalf of the sector continues, including by working in broadcast industry and planning forums to maintain sector interests.
• Due to the hard work of First Nations Media Australia, Senators Siewert and McCarthy passed a motion calling for meaningful Commonwealth Development Program (CDP) opportunities for those working at First Nations Media organisations, and for the Federal Government to recognise the unique and important role these community broadcasters play in their communities.
• The CBAA made a submission to the Select Committee on Charity Fundraising in the 21st Century, recommending a coordinated and streamlined national fundraising regulatory scheme that would address the inconsistencies, duplication, lack of clarity and wasted resources of having multiple layers and systems that are state-based.

Questions?

Should you have any further questions, or would like to provide ideas or feedback into sector leadership matters, please don't hesitate to contact our Project Coordinator (Government Relations), Holly Friedlander Liddicoat via [email protected] or phone 02 9310 2999.

We welcome any feedback and comments and look forward to receiving your input.

TIP: Building relationships with MPs is one great way that you can help foster support for your station and the broader community broadcasting sector. Check out the CBAA's Political Engagement Toolkit for tips and tricks to help you do so.