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The CBAA builds strong and successful community broadcasters.

About CBAA

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The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia builds strong and successful community broadcasters.

Community broadcasting is a vital part of the Australian media landscape. Over 450 radio stations broadcast more than 500 services across Australia, and play an important role in providing a voice for communities that aren’t adequately serviced by other broadcasting sectors. These include:

  • First Nations people
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
  • Educational services
  • Faith-based communities
  • People with a print disability
  • Music, arts and cultural services
  • Youth and seniors’ communities
  • The LGBTQIA+ community

These community broadcasting services:

  • Provide a diverse range of viewpoints that enrich the social and cultural fabric of Australian society and contribute to public interest outcomes
  • Promote the identities of local communities and contribute to social inclusion
  • Provide opportunities for participation in free-to-air public broadcasting and content production
  • Contribute to media diversity
  • Generate a high level of local content
  • Provide a unique range of services and programs

The CBAA works hard to maintain very high levels of member satisfaction. In 2021, 88% of station managers agreed that the CBAA values them as a member. Our overall Net Promoter Score is 45.

Our History

Born from the desire to establish support for radio services run by independent, non-commercial community groups, the CBAA (initially the PBAA, with the P standing for Public) was formed by a small group of enthusiastic radio makers at a conference in Sydney in 1974, and has expanded every year since.

Created to give a voice to those otherwise not heard on air, the CBAA has always prided itself on maintaining a diverse sector, supported by volunteers and community-minded individuals.

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Organisational Structure

The CBAA is a not for profit cultural organisation established for the promotion of community broadcasting including both radio and television. 

The CBAA is a company limited by guarantee and is registered as a charitable institution. The CBAA accepts donations. Its details can be found on the ACNC Charity register.

Membership

At present, the CBAA has over 300 members. The CBAA's members include roughly 80% of Australia's community radio licensees.

Governance and Management

As governing body of the CBAA, the Board provides oversight within the framework of relevant legislation (including the Corporations Act) and the CBAA Constitution.

The responsibilities of the Board include setting and reviewing the CBAA strategic direction, monitoring organisational performance, appointing the General Manager, and deciding on key policy positions to take on behalf of the community broadcasting sector.

The Board consists of up to eight directors. 

The CBAA has offices in Sydney and its team of staff is led by CEO Jon Bisset. Jon has over 20 years experience with some of Australia’s finest non-profit organisations covering professional services, health and ageing, business events, sport, media, technology, fundraising, and association management.

Our Policies

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia's main policies and terms of use for its products and services.