Station Planning - COVID-19

On this page:

• Returning safely to studios
• Work, health and safety
• Our role as media organisations
• Does your station need financial assistance?
• Where to find more information

Returning safely to studios

As the various states and territories progressively lift social distancing requirements, community radio station boards, and management committees should consider their roadmap for safe return. Every station will be different – with each returning in the way that is best suited for their situation. Get: Checklist for returning to community radio stations

We have put together some answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccination at your station. The factsheet covers mandatory vaccination, vaccination status and privacy and discrimination issues. Get: the CBAA's Fact Sheet.

If your staff and volunteers are allowed to work on site during lockdowns, they may want to carry proof that they are carrying out work for your station. We encourage staff with business cards to carry them. For volunteers, stations can provide a letter outlining that you are a volunteer and carrying out necessary work. Download a template for your use.

Work, health and safety

Employers have a duty to provide a safe and hazard-free workplace for their staff and volunteers, including during a crisis. As well as using the above checklist, NFP Law has also put together a handy list of FAQs to best help you, your staff and volunteers work within studios and offices safely.

• Consider nominating a COVID-19 Safety Coordinator to overseas delivery of your return plan.
• The NSW Department of Health has posters and ideas for communicating best practices.
• The Department of Health has released information on routine cleaning.
• As the studio is the main area programmers share at the station, the CBAA has developed a Studio Hygiene and Cleaning Policy Template and Studio Sign-In Sheet.
• For self-care tips for media reporting on the COVID 19 pandemic, Mindframe and the Dart Centre Asia Pacific have developed a PDF. You can find it here.

Our role as media organisations

The media and in particular community radio should play a critical role in preventing and addressing the social stigma associated with COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the Red Cross have developed a guide for preventing and addressing social stigma associated with the coronavirus disease, which the CBAA encourages community radio stations to use in their messaging.

• Social stigma associated with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

First Draft is a global non-profit that supports journalists, academics and technologists working to address challenges relating to trust and truth in the digital age. They have resources available to assist journalists:

• Tips for reporting on COVID-19 and slowing the spread of misinformation
• Five quick ways we can all double-check coronavirus information online

The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, a project of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, is dedicated to informed, innovative and ethical news reporting on violence, conflict and tragedy.

Review the situation daily and follow the advice of the relevant authorities.

Does your station need financial assistance?

Not sure where to go accessing Federal Government, State/Territory, CBF or grant funding? Need tips for financial stress? We've set up a Financial Assistance webpage.

Where to find more information

Keep up to date with the latest essential information on COVID 19 - news, updates and advice from Australian Government agencies.

For the latest advice and information for employers, visit the Australian Government Department of Health. You can also call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The phone number of your state or territory public health agency is available at www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has updated resources to help you understand your legal obligations to staff/volunteers.

Get help in a language other than English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450 and give them the phone number of the service you want to contact. Translated resources are available here.

If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment you can contact these services through the National Relay Service: Voice 133 677 Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727 Internet Relay www.relayservice.gov.au. Audio resources are available here.