ABC and CBAA partnership a win for local news reporting

The ABC and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) are pleased to announce a new 12-month strategic partnership.

The collaboration aims to support the diversity of local news reporting, both geographically and culturally.

Key objectives include sharing knowledge, skills and content between ABC Newsrooms and more than 500 community broadcasting services, 80% of which are in regional areas.

ABC News will work with community broadcasters to support career pathways and respond to local issues – for example during weather emergencies when accurate and timely news is critical in keeping communities safe.

CBAA will also have access to pro bono legal support from the ABC Legal team.

ABC News Director Justin Stevens said: “The ABC is looking forward to partnering with the community broadcasting sector to improve access, capability and diversity of services and content for Australian community radio audiences.”

“It’s fantastic to announce this partnership with the national broadcaster,” said CBAA CEO Jon Bisset. “Community broadcasting is a proud training ground for independent journalists covering a range of local issues from different perspectives – many go on to a career with the ABC.

“This partnership will make this relationship closer, strengthen those pathways, and be a boon for journalism and news production.”

(L to R) Anthony Gerace, ABC Managing Editor News SA, NT & Emergency; CBAA CEO Jon Bisset; Rebecca Brice, SA Newsroom; Martin Davies, CBAA News Network Director.