Distribute Your Station's Content Nationally via the Community Radio Network
Applications are currently open until 31 August!
We offer all community radio broadcasters the opportunity for your show to air nationally via the Community Radio Network (CRN). Applications for CRN are open twice a year in January-March and July-September.
The CBAA and CRN’s programming criteria are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We’re also bound by the Community Radio Codes of Practice.
See our Guidelines, Policy and Technical Delivery Guidelines for more detailed information.
We’re looking for innovative programs that:
- Prioritise and showcase music produced by Australian artists
- Champion Diversity and represent the full spectrum of Australian society by including the views and music of First Nations people, LGBTIQ+ individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, and those from multicultural backgrounds.
- Feature locally produced arts and cultural content, highlighting the creativity and vibrancy of our communities.
- Prioritise First Nations content to support self-determination and truth-telling, providing a platform for these essential stories and perspectives.
- Amplify unheard voices that are largely unheard in mainstream media, providing a platform for underrepresented perspectives.
- Adhere to strong production values and can meet deadlines consistently
CRN regularly reviews programs in accordance with the Programming Criteria.
Empowerment, fairness, and equity are not just initiatives - they are integral to CRN's core objectives and work.
How to submit:
- Look at our current Program Guide to ensure we’re not already offering a similar program. See our program review form for further tips.
- Seek feedback and advice by discussing your program or concept with the Program Coordinator or Committee at your station.
- Reach out to CRN staff to explore your program's fit within the network. They can offer insights on how your program can stand out and find its place in the CRN program guide. For your application, you’ll need:
- A broadcast-quality pilot that best exemplifies your program, and
- A letter of support from your appropriate station representative.
- Complete the application form
You’re all set! If you want to submit outside of the periods, we’re happy to discuss as long as we’re not already airing a similar program and your program meets our criteria.
Want to propose a one-off special event for CRN?
We're all ears! Whether it's a live feed from a festival, an innovative performance special, or a pre-recorded documentary, we broadcast a variety of unique events to our subscriber stations.
Email [email protected] or give us a call on (02) 9310 2999 to discuss your idea. Let us know if your program involves commercial content or major sponsors. You might also be able to secure funding assistance from the Community Broadcasting Foundation.
FAQs
Who is responsible for program content?
CRN contributors are required to provide programming that is in accordance with the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, ultimately all programming decisions and responsibility sits with stations taking and broadcasting those programs. This means that your station must ensure that content is within the law and meets your station’s policies. If you come across content you find objectionable inform CRN staff.
Who is responsible for logging and copyright?
CRN subscribers are also responsible for logging on-air broadcasts as required by law, whether from satellite or otherwise; and completing music log sheets or other procedures required to meet copyright or other broadcaster responsibilities. You should not receive CRN programs on relay from another station (or provide access to your feed to others) without first discussing this with the CBAA.
Who is responsible for adhering to sponsorship guidelines?
CRN subscriber stations are responsible for making sure their sponsorship content - including programs coming from CRN - doesn't exceed the legal limit. A list of sponsorship content embedded in CRN programs is available here.
See our Guidelines, Policy and Technical Delivery Guidelines for more detailed information.
