Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

Community broadcasters play a vital role in keeping communities informed, connected and represented. Ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, CBAA is advocating for key policy priorities to ensure our sector remains strong, sustainable and independent - this includes secure funding, regulatory reform and new investment in areas like emergency broadcasting and support for local music. Read the full article to learn what we’re asking of government on behalf of our sector - https://lnkd.in/gps54YaZ

Volunteers are essential to community broadcasters, including 4MBS Classic FM, whose 300+ volunteers contribute to everything from announcing and programming to administration and fundraising across its three services: 4MBS Classic FM, MBS Light, and Silver Memories. In a submission to the Queensland Government's Inquiry into Volunteering, 4MBS highlighted the unique impact of Silver Memories, a nostalgia radio service designed for aged care residents. Broadcast to over 110 aged care homes across Queensland, the service is supported entirely by volunteers and delivers proven mental health benefits including reduced depression, anxiety, and aggression. Research showed it also improves overall wellbeing, earning Silver Memories national recognition, including the Australian Mental Health Prize and the Pro Bono Social Impact Award in 2022. This demonstrates the unique value that community broadcasters, and their volunteers, can offer to communities in need in Queensland and Australia. For more information about the ongoing inquiry and to view submissions visit https://lnkd.in/gBsV4XkB

The Walkley Foundation for Journalism is calling for entries for its mid-year prizes, celebrating journalistic excellence across a range of categories for both emerging and established journalists. If you work with or know a community broadcaster producing outstanding journalism, this is a valuable opportunity for their work to be recognised on a national stage. Explore the categories and submit entries at walkleys.com/prizes

Whether your station is music-focused, talk-based, or somewhere in between, all community broadcasters share a responsibility to understand defamation law and how it applies to their work. Join us for a free webinar on Tuesday 15 April at 3.00pm AEST, presented in collaboration with the LINA: Local & Independent News Association and legal experts Wotton Kearney. The session will explore: - Practical steps to avoid defamation claims, including case studies - What to do if a potential issue arises - Early resolution strategies to help avoid a Concerns’ Notice escalating to a hearing This webinar is designed to support broadcasters of all experience levels in building confidence and good practice around content publication. The webinar will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. You can join using: - Meeting ID: 412 407 756 870 - Passcode: RC3Qm2We If you don't have Microsoft Teams you can join as a guest shortly before the starting time via your browser at https://lnkd.in/g3FxqkEH

It’s a big few months for community broadcasters, with the Federal Election on 3 May, early bird registration for the 2025 CBAA Conference opening on 5 May, and the new Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice taking effect from 1 July. Make sure you're receiving the updates that matter most to you. Sign up for CBAA communications at https://lnkd.in/gBKYdFsM, where you can choose to stay connected to: - Key conference announcements, including scholarships and award entries, which also open on 5 May - CBAA eNews - The Community Radio Network and AMRAP newsletters - Important governance and compliance updates to help keep your station on track Pictured: Jade and Toni from Triple T 103.9 in Townsville QLD – one of the many stations subscribed to our eNews and staying connected with the sector.

Congratulations to West Australian station RTRFM 92.1, whose recently redesigned website has been nominated for The Webby Awards in the Music site category, standing alongside global names like Apple, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish. The site, designed by Perth agency Start Digital, has already earned an honourable mention from awwwards., and now, it’s in the running for one of the biggest honours in web design. Anyone who wants to show their support for the station can vote here: https://lnkd.in/g9ucnJeN And visit the RTRFM site at https://rtrfm.com.au to see what sets it apart.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released updated licence conditions for community broadcasters. While the format has changed, there are no major changes to station responsibilities. Make sure your team is across requirements such as interference prevention, technical compliance and safe operation. https://lnkd.in/gSAgT7Tb

With the 2025 Federal Election approaching, it’s important your station is clear on its obligations when broadcasting political and election matter. The article linked to below provides links to our newly revised Political Matter resource page as well as a recent webinar by CBAA's Head of Advocacy and Communications Reece Kinnane. Review these along with the ACMA and AEC resources provided to be aware of your obligations. Read the article here - https://lnkd.in/gxiSp65T

The LINA: Local & Independent News Association (LINA) is seeking a new Non-Executive Director to help guide the organisation’s strategic direction. If you're passionate about strong local journalism and want to make an impact, this could be for you. They are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in: - Strategic fundraising and philanthropy - Local journalism or publishing - Digital media and technology - Finance, risk or legal fields LINA supports Australia’s digital-first, independent local newsrooms - including some community broadcasters - and our CEO, Jon Bisset, CAE, proudly serves as LINA’s Chair. Applications close 28 April 2025. To learn more or apply, contact Jon Bisset at jon.bisset@cbaa.org.au For more about LINA, visit www.lina.org.au This is a voluntary board role with meaningful impact. They encourage applicants from all backgrounds and regions. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/guRZ_dSV

We’re supporting the Emergency Action Alliance’s (EAA) appeal following the earthquake in Myanmar. Community broadcasters can help by playing the community service announcement (CSA) on air, and promoting the appeal to your audiences. Find out more at EAA's official Myanmar Appeal Website (https://lnkd.in/gcnh-Fbt).   Let’s work together to support this coordinated effort and help those affected in Myanmar.     Download the 15-second CSA to play on your station at https://lnkd.in/gvAAvbDZ