Inquiry into music in NSW - full report released

The NSW Parliament yesterday tabled its report into the music and arts economy.

The CBAA, who made a submission and participated in a public hearing, welcomes the report. The report includes a number of supportive recommendations which, if adopted, would support community radio stations, live music infrastructure, programs, initiatives and funding in NSW.

The community radio section has two notable recommendations:

Recommendation 41

That the NSW Government investigate options for a cultural hub that co-locates the Music Development Office, contemporary music organisations and businesses, rehearsal and performance space, community radio, writing and recording studios and a youth venue in Inner Sydney.

Committee Comment/Recommendation 57 on Community Radio

• The committee acknowledges the critical role that community radio plays in supporting new and emerging Australian talent, and fostering crucial links between artists and communities.
• The committee was impressed by the community radio organisations' ability to provide such an important service with so little funding. The committee notes that community radio is regulated and funded by the Commonwealth Government, however more could be done to support local stations that are working hard to support local musicians and, in turn, our state's vibrant culture and healthy economy.
• To ensure that New South Wales artists have access to a community radio network that is suitably resourced to promote and develop our local music scene, the committee recommends that the NSW Government allocate funding to community radio stations in New South Wales, on top of that already provided by the Commonwealth Government, either under a new community radio grants scheme or as part of the contemporary music funding package recommended at Recommendation 8. This funding would be used to meet the costs of the building new broadcast infrastructure and to foster live events and radio content that supports new music.
• The committee further recommends that the NSW Government investigate opportunities to amend advertising guidelines to encourage government advertising on community radio stations, where appropriate.

Continuing the CBAA's sector leadership works in support of Australian music, the CBAA will be attending a public hearing on 22 November for the inquiry into the Australian music industry.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia’s (CBAA) CEO, Jon Bisset told radioinfo, “The CBAA is very pleased with the findings and recommendations of today’s report into the NSW music industry. 

"Over 100 community broadcasting stations across the state deliver vital services to support grassroots NSW and Australian music, from training and mentoring initiatives, to innovative partnerships, live broadcasts, as well as of course, consistently strong airplay. 

"Latest figures indicate that 37% of music played on community radio stations each week is Australian, cementing the key role community broadcasters play in fostering and supporting diverse music scenes.

 "The CBAA is also excited by the recommendation for $35 million in funding across four years, as well as amendments to liquor licenses, the appointment of a Minister for Music, and funding for organisations like MusicNSW. The report is recognition of the massive potential of the contemporary music sector in NSW.”