Code 3 - Diversity, Independence and Our Community

This Code is from the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025) and goes into effect on 1 July 2025. For information about the current Codes of Practice visit https://www.cbaa.org.au/community-broadcasting/codes-of-practice-current.

CODE

3.1 We must be able to demonstrate our understanding of our community interest.

3.2 The programs we broadcast must, collectively, reflect the needs and diversity of our community interest including through the provision of Material of Local Significance.

3.3 We must encourage and assist people in our community interest, including those who are not adequately served by other media, to participate in providing our service, prioritising the discussion of topics by those with relevant lived experience.

3.4 We keep our community interest informed of how community suggestions and participation are reflected in our activities and programming.

3.5 When complying with Code 3, we must have regard to our First Nations Engagement and Programming obligations under Code 7.

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

We encourage members of the community we serve to participate in our operations and in the selection of and provision of programs under our licence.
We continue to represent the community interest we represented at the time our licence was allocated or last renewed.
As defined in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, Material of Local Significance is hosted in our licence area, or produced in our licence area, or relates to our licence area.
In our activities and behaviour, we ensure that people are given the same opportunities as others in similar situations and oppose discrimination on the basis of age, disability, mental ill-health, medical conditions, sex characteristics, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, nationality, culture, religion or being from a lower socio-economic community.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.1

A ‘community interest’ is a common interest shared by a group of people in a community that a station has identified on their licence. A community interest may be general in nature (e.g. representing the community‘s needs within the geographic area of a licence) or it may be specific (e.g. representing the needs of the First Nations community within a licence area).

Stations should be able to show active engagement, awareness of local issues, and a commitment to representing diverse voices through listener surveys and other kinds of feedback, local programming about local issues, partnering with local organisations and offering training and mentorship programs. A list of ideas is available here. Stations should not feel like they have to put in place every idea on the list but be able to demonstrate regular ways of seeking to understand its community interest.

Licensees should keep records of these kinds of activities. Records might include: screenshots, copied text, meeting minutes, copies of forms and photos of events. These can help stations demonstrate the steps that have been taken to understand their community’s needs and expectations and the changes they have made to their operations or programming in response.

This can help a station to justify its choices particularly in the case of non-local content. For example, a station might show that it is meeting the needs of its community by keeping feedback requesting more popular country music songs or a particular program by an American Christian Broadcaster or an in-language program from overseas. The station can then show that it is balancing material of local significance requirements with the needs of its community and its ability to remain commercially viable.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.1 - DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR COMMUNITY INTEREST

A community radio station can demonstrate its understanding of its community interest through a range of practices that showcase active engagement, awareness of local issues, and a commitment to representing diverse voices. Stations should not feel like they have to put in place every idea on the list but be able to demonstrate regular ways of seeking to understand its community interest.

List of actions

A community radio station can demonstrate its understanding of its community interest through a range of practices that showcase active engagement, awareness of local issues, and a commitment to representing diverse voices. Stations should not feel like they have to put in place every idea on the list but be able to demonstrate regular ways of seeking to understand its community interest.

1. Community consultation and engagement

• Surveys and feedback: Conduct regular surveys, focus groups, or informal polls to gather suggestions and feedback from listeners about what content resonates with them, what issues matter most, and how the station can

improve. This shows that the station values community input and is willing to adapt to better meet local needs.

• Public forums: Host open forums or town hall meetings to discuss station programming and encourage dialogue with the community. Allow the community to voice concerns, suggest new shows, or provide feedback on existing content.

• Listener contributions: to reflect diverse interests and voices, provide opportunities for community members to contribute content, whether through guest spots, interviews, user-submitted stories, song requests, text lines or shout outs.

• Encourage community participation in program provision: Broadcast announcements inviting program proposals and speak to local individuals and community groups about providing programs. Periodically analyse program schedules to ensure an adequate representation of locally produced programs.

2. Local stories

• Hyperlocal programming: Produce and broadcast programs on local issues, events, culture, individuals.

• Community stories: Highlight community initiatives, local groups, artists, and leaders. Run segments or series that discuss local topics such as housing, education, or health services.

• Talk shows and call-ins: Host live shows that tackle current events and local issues, allowing community members to call in and share their opinions to encourage direct engagement with listeners.

3. Inclusive and representative programming

• Diverse voices: Ensure station content reflects the community’s diversity such as different cultural,linguistic, and age groups through targeted programming and outreach to underrepresented groups.

• Language: Consider languages other than English spoken in the station’s local area and reach out to community groups to seek volunteers to develop multilingual programs.

4. Partnerships with local organisations

• Collaborative projects: to build community and strengthen relationships to local stakeholders, partner with local schools, non-profits, cultural organisations, community groups and services to co-produce content and cover local events.

5. Training and capacity building for the community

• Volunteer and training programs: to empower community and encourage diverse perspectives, offer training opportunities for community members to learn about radio production, journalism, or technical skills.

• Youth engagement: Create internship or mentorship programs for young people interested in media to demonstrate the station’s commitment to the future of the community and help build younger audiences.

6. Data-driven understanding

• Demographic research: Use audience data to better understand the community’s demographic makeup. Tailor programming based on this data, making sure to address both the broad needs of the general community and the specific interests of niche groups.

• Community impact metrics: Measure and report on the station’s reach and impact within the community. This can include tracking listener engagement, growth in volunteer participation, or successful community campaigns launched via the station.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.2

For a community radio station to ensure that its broadcast reflects the needs and diversity of its community of interest, including through the provision of Material of Local Significance, the station must focus on broadcasting content that resonates with the unique cultural, social, and economic characteristics of its community interest. There are lots of stations in the sector which will be confident that they are complying with this Code; others may be unsure. This guidance helps stations understand what compliance looks like.

According to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, material is of local significance if: 

(a)  it is hosted in the licence area; or  

(b)  it is produced in the licence area; or  

Material of Local Significance includes content like local news and current affairs; local music, arts and history; interviews with local figures; content in languages spoken in the licence area; local announcements; coverage of local events and outside broadcasts. A list of the kind of content that would help stations meet their Material of Local Significance requirements is available here.

Community radio is a diverse sector, made up of broadcasters serving general location-based populations, or particular community interests within their broadcast area including First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, faith-based communities, youth and seniors’ communities, the LGBTIQA+ community and people with a disability.

Each station is unique, set in a different community with different needs, different interests and different capabilities. But what unites all community radio stations is a community-centred approach. Stations are held and operated by the community and programming is made by and for the community.

The ACMA will consider a station’s compliance with Code 3.2 on a case by case basis. There’s no definitive minimum quota of Material of Local Significance for stations to broadcast. The kinds of things that would help a station meet their Code 3.2 obligations are: spoken word programming, local presenters engaged on air, number of regular local segments and engagement of people from the local community. Many stations won’t have the capacity to broadcast Material of Local Significance 24/7, however too much reliance on automated playlists, overseas content, syndicated content or Australian content that is not specific to their community may mean a station is not meeting its requirements under Code 3.2. In general, the more ‘live and local’ programs a station has, the more likely it is that it is satisfying its requirements.

A station’s ability to broadcast content produced in the licence area may be limited by volunteer availability due to the size and nature of their community. Volunteer availability may also be affected for periods by natural disasters or other external factors e.g. the COVID pandemic caused many stations to lose volunteers.

Though a station may supplement their programming with non-local content to stay on air, continuing efforts to involve community in broadcasting are vital to meet their Code 3.2 obligations.

The station should be taking steps to promote engagement and volunteering by raising awareness of opportunities to participate for instance, on-air, at community events and online. The station should also be encouraging community participation in their operations by having good governance practices and an effective and transparent committee structure, so the community can have a say in the running of the service.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.2 - CASE STUDIES - STATIONS MEETING MATERIAL OF LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE REQUIREMENTS

Radio W

Radio W is a medium-sized regional station with a small group of committed volunteers:

Hosted slots include a monthly interview with the Mayor, fortnightly interviews with the local environment group and the Aboriginal health service, ad hoc interviews with local theatre groups, arts groups, fishing club and other community groups to promote upcoming community events.

Station attends local markets as volunteer capacity permits to broadcast live.

Station runs a regular announcement seeking volunteers to fill broadcast slots and a sign up on their website.

Periodically through the year the station holds open days for members to record station ID’s, tour the studio and support new volunteers to join and pitch programs.

Station supplements their local programming with programs from the CRN and automated playlists. These hours are replaced with local programs as volunteer capacity permits.

Station is actively recruiting for local volunteers from the community of interest.

Radio X

Radio X is a large Metro station with lots of volunteers:

Station has scheduled programming of content by or for their community 24/7.

When hosts are sick, station has people fill in on air, on the rare occasion that no one is available they run an automated playlist.

Station attends events in the local community, broadcasting from events and interviewing attendees.

Station runs regular training sessions for new volunteers to join their programming team and works with many sections of the community to ensure the diversity of their region is and represented on air.

Radio Y

Radio Y is a small station serving a particular subsection of the community, with only a handful of local volunteers:

Station has a number of regular local segments but struggles to maintain the volunteer numbers required to broadcast all day with local presenters.

Station broadcasts from local events relevant to its community.

Some volunteers from outside the licence area that are part of the community interest are engaged to host programs remotely and non-local volunteers share news and weather relevant to the licence area, where no local volunteer can be found.

Station is actively recruiting for local volunteers from the community of interest.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.2 - CASE STUDY - STATION NOT MEETING MATERIAL OF LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE REQUIREMENTS

Radio Z

Radio Z is a small station with only a handful of volunteers:

Station relies on Spotify to select playlist of “popular” music. It is noted that broadcasting music from Spotify is contrary to Spotify’s Conditions of use which permits personal, non-commercial use only and prohibits the redistribution or transfer of Spotify content.

Local musicians who submit their songs have their music sidelined to uncommon listening hours.

Playlist is automated with station IDs voiced by actors outside the community.

Volunteers propose to host programs and bring their own music but the offers are declined with no reasonable explanation.

A small number of volunteers are the only people allowed to broadcast, they are not allowed to change the automated playlist and only host limited hours per day.

Station has no strategy to recruit more local volunteers and does not actively engage with the community.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.3

A community radio station can encourage and assist people in its community interest, especially those not adequately served by mainstream media, to participate in providing content by fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and prioritising voices with relevant lived experience.

For many stations it can be difficult to get people interested in being involved but the important thing is that the station is always welcoming of new people from their community and takes steps to get the word out to their community about how to get involved. Some ideas for things to do include: running announcements seeking volunteers, connecting with community groups, providing training and mentorship opportunities, holding open days, attending local events, providing a platform for community stories for instance through call-in shows and community panels, and ensuring that content reflects the diversity of the community by airing stories about local issues impacting underrepresented groups.

For more on First Nations engagement see the guidance notes for Code 7: First Nations Engagement and Programming.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.3 - LIST OF IDEAS

The following steps may help stations meet their requirements under Code 3.3:

1. Create an open and inclusive environment

Invite participation from underrepresented groups: Actively reach out to groups within the station’s community that are often overlooked by mainstream media, such as First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse people, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities. Make it clear that the station welcomes their participation and values their perspectives.

Accessible studio and remote participation: Ensure that the station's facilities are physically accessible for people with disabilities. Additionally, provide options for remote participation, such as phone-ins, pre-recorded segments, or online contributions, to make it easier for those who may face barriers to accessing the station in person.

Multilingual programming: Offer opportunities for people to produce content in languages other than English, reflecting the diversity of your community’s linguistic landscape.

2. Prioritise lived experience in programming

Focus on authentic voices: When discussing community issues, prioritise the voices of those with lived experience. For example, if the station is discussing homelessness, ensure that people who have experienced homelessness are included in the conversation, either as guests, contributors, or program hosts.

Create thematic shows led by lived experience: Develop shows that focus on particular issues, such as mental health, disability rights, or refugee experiences, and invite people with lived experience to lead or co-host those programs. This not only provides them with a platform but ensures the content is authentic and representative.

3. Provide training and mentorship

Radio and media skills workshops: Offer free or low-cost workshops that teach radio production, presenting, editing, and journalism skills to members of the community, especially those from underrepresented groups. By equipping them with the necessary skills, you empower them to contribute content and share their stories.

Mentorship programs: Pair experienced broadcasters with newcomers, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, to guide them through the process of creating their own radio segments or shows. This mentorship builds confidence and ensures ongoing support.

4. Develop accessible pathways for contribution

Simplify the process of getting involved: Create clear and easy-to-understand pathways for people to get involved, such as volunteer programs, open calls for contributors, or invitation-only production slots for community members with relevant lived experience.

Community content submission: Encourage community members to submit content, whether as audio recordings, written scripts, or even informal interviews, through accessible online platforms or in-person at the station. This lowers the barrier to entry for those who might not have professional production experience.

5. Provide platforms for storytelling and dialogue

Storytelling series or segments: Create segments where community members share their own stories and experiences on topics that matter to them, whether through interviews, personal narratives, or discussion panels.

Call-in shows and listener-led segments: Host live call-in programs where community members can participate in discussions on important topics, share their opinions, or tell their stories. These listener-led segments ensure that the content reflects the concerns and interests of the community.

Community panels: Organise on-air panels made up of individuals with direct experience related to the topic being discussed.

6. Outreach and partnerships with local organisations

Partner with local groups: Collaborate with local non-profits, cultural organisations, and advocacy groups that work with underrepresented populations. These groups can help connect stations with individuals who have lived experience and can support them in sharing their stories on-air.

Host community forums: Regularly organise community forums where local residents can gather to discuss important issues. Broadcast these forums or record them for on-air playback, ensuring that voices from all parts of the community, especially those less often heard, are represented.

7. Empower volunteers with leadership roles

Volunteer-produced programming: Encourage volunteers to lead their own shows. Give them creative control over their content while offering guidance and support. This hands-on role encourages deeper involvement and ensures a wide range of perspectives on-air.

Leadership development: Offer leadership development opportunities for volunteers and community contributors, helping them not only participate but also take on decision-making roles within the station, ensuring representation at all levels.

8. Flexible programming to address local and emergent issues

Rapid-response programming: When significant events occur that affect particular community groups (e.g., natural disasters, political developments, or social issues), quickly adjust the programming to cover these events. Reach out to individuals with lived experience of those events to contribute content or provide commentary, making sure their perspectives are at the forefront of the discussion.

Community-driven programming schedules: Allow community members to propose topics and content for discussion on the station.

9. Promote diversity

Content that reflects the diversity of the community: Ensure the programming reflects the diversity of the community by airing content related to festivals, events, and celebrations. Invite community members with lived experience to co-produce or host the content.

Respond to community issues: Partner with individuals and groups directly impacted by community issues to ensure that their lived experience guides the discussion and solutions presented.

10. Make participation fun and rewarding

Create a sense of belonging: Build a welcoming and fun atmosphere at the station that encourages community members to stay involved. Regularly celebrate the contributions of volunteers and provide recognition for their work, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Incentives for participation: Provide small incentives, such as gift cards, station merchandise, or public recognition, to those who contribute content or help with station activities. While this isn’t a requirement, it can encourage more people to participate, especially those who may feel hesitant.

11. Provide content that serves as a voice for the unheard

Champion unheard voices: Make it a mission of the station to advocate for the inclusion of voices not commonly heard in mainstream media. Ensure the station’s content consistently reflects issues, stories, and perspectives that may be ignored elsewhere.

12. Make it clear how to get involved

Get the word out: Stations might run a regular announcement seeking volunteers and directing them to more information. The station website might include a volunteering page with information about how to get involved and a contact form or contact details. The station might attend local events to offer information about volunteering and hold open days to encourage the community to tour the studio and get involved.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 3.3 - TIPS FROM COMMUNITY BROADCASTING STATIONS

The most important thing is to be open and welcoming to new volunteers and presenters all the time.

Reaching your community takes trial and error and keeping on trying.

Attending events and engaging with our community in our outside broadcast van helps us be seen by and connect with our community and spread engagement through word of mouth.

Our university-facilitated internship program works really well and most of our volunteers stay on after the program ends.

Find creative ways to engage your community, for example we reach a lot of new young people through mini golf at a careers expo stall.

Facebook is a really good tool for engagement with our audience.

Listeners and community can send music to the station via email which we can play on air or put in our library.

We give voice to Indigenous people in our community though interviews with local artists, musicians, actors and dancers.

We engage with our community through comments that come in while on air that we can directly engage with in real time.

We find it difficult to maintain our volunteer broadcasters. Often people are in transitory phases in their lives and there’s not much we can do about it when they come and go. We try to offer training and support to encourage new people and retain the volunteers we already have.

We try to make sure there’s someone in the station when volunteers come in to do their shows so that people aren’t coming into an empty building.

At a minimum, stations should get the message out to their community that: ‘We are a community station and you can get involved! Here is a way of getting in touch.’