Following the 2024 Conference, CBAA CEO Jon Bisset reflects on the current state of community broadcasting and what lies ahead.
Following the conclusion of the 2004 CBAA Conference, I’ve had time to reflect on the powerful conversations and insights shared. In my opening speech, I spoke about the critical role that community radio plays in Australia’s media ecosystem.
With over 5 million Australians tuning in every week, our listeners rely on us for more than just music or news—they count on us for stories that reflect their lives and their communities.
The Challenges We Face
I didn’t sugarcoat the reality: we’re facing serious challenges. The cost-of-living pressures, increased competition for grant funding, and a decline in volunteer numbers are hitting stations hard. Our latest financial data shows that 59 stations—representing 18% of the sector—are at risk of becoming financially unviable. That's a 40% increase in "high-risk" stations over just one year, and unfortunately, six stations have already closed their doors.
But, as I pointed out during the conference, this isn’t a failure of the services community radio provides. In fact, listening numbers are up by around 10%. The demand for trusted, local voices is stronger than ever, and that’s what gives me hope.
What Community Radio Is—And What It’s Not
One key message from my speech that many let me know resonated with them is this: community radio is not a jukebox. We're not here to just play the latest Spotify playlist. If we try to compete with algorithm-driven music streaming services, we’ll lose. What sets us apart is our commitment to being the voice of the community—to discussing local issues, showcasing local talent, and telling the stories that won’t trend on social media but matter deeply to our listeners.
We must lead our communities by providing not only what they want but also what they need—even when they don’t know they need it. From local council decisions to unsung community heroes and underrepresented voices, these are the stories that build connection and foster trust.
Five Key Roles for the Future of Community Radio
As I look to the future, community radio will play five key roles in the Australian media landscape:
- A Beacon of Diversity: As other media outlets cut local coverage, we’ll continue to tell the stories that others ignore.
- Rebuilding Trust: In an era of misinformation, we can be the trusted source of truth, but we must hold ourselves to the highest standards.
- Leading Digital Inclusion: Community radio can help guide our audiences through the digital age, but we must become digital pioneers ourselves.
- Incubating New Talent: The next generation of great Australian journalists will continue to come through our ranks.
- A Lifeline During Emergencies: When disaster strikes, community radio will continue to provide critical, local information that saves lives.
These roles are not just aspirations—they are achievable. But mediocrity won’t get us there. It’s up to all of us to rise to the occasion, be bold, and take the lead.
Support and Advocacy
We’re not asking stations to face these challenges alone. At the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, we’re working hard to build the tools and resources to support you. A key part of this effort is our collaboration with the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) as we work towards delivering on the sector roadmap. This roadmap is designed to ensure that every dollar invested in the sector makes a meaningful impact, driving long-term sustainability and growth for community radio stations.
Our Federal Budget submission also calls for a doubling of funding, with a particular focus on increasing support for station development and operations—because we’re not just aiming to maintain the status quo. We’re working to make stations stronger and to amplify the impact you have in your communities.
On a positive note, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently registered the new Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice. These new codes, set to begin on 1 July 2025, will strengthen governance across the sector and make compliance easier for stations.
Moving Forward
The conference highlighted that the road ahead won’t be easy, but the opportunity is immense. With the passion, innovation, and dedication our sector is known for, I believe we can help build a more informed, engaged, and united Australia. We must listen to our audiences, but also lead them by delivering the stories and voices that matter most to their communities.
As we return to our stations and move forward with the knowledge and inspiration gained, I challenge all of you: Don’t settle for being just another station. Be the heart of your community.
Together, we can ensure community radio remains a vital and resilient force in Australia’s media landscape.
Thank you for being part of this important journey, and let’s get to work.