Sector Leadership Update: June 2019
Find out more about the Federal Election campaign wrap, the future of radio, our recent Sector Roundtable meeting and more!
Summary of Update
- CBAA Federal Election campaign and support for community radio.
- Future planning and future delivery of radio services.
- Most recent Sector Roundtable meeting.
- Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice review update.
CBAA Federal Election Campaign Wrap Up 
The Coalition has been returned for another three-year term after the recent Federal Election. During the election campaign, the CBAA worked hard to reconfirm or gain support for community broadcasting amongst sitting members of Parliament and candidates. We are pleased that the community broadcasting sector continues to receive wide support across the political spectrum. Find out more.
We also encouraged stations to get involved in the election by engaging with their local candidates and showing them firsthand the important role community radio plays in their electorates (see some photos below!)
The CBAA also welcomes the appointment of new Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, and look forward to working with him to strengthen the support for community radio and the communities they serve.
Planning for the future of community radio
ACMA has released an issues paper on the Future Delivery of Radio Services which identifies challenges and opportunities for the radio industry. They are seeking views on the factors driving industry change, future approaches to planning and the impact of new delivery platforms on the policy and regulatory framework. The CBAA will be making a submission.
Over coming months the CBAA will also be consulting member stations and other sector organisations on a Forward Agenda for future policy positioning. If you'd like to provide input, please email Holly Friedlander Liddicoat ([email protected]) or call 02 9310 2999.
Sector Roundtable
In mid-April, the CBAA convened the first Sector Roundtable for 2019. The Roundtable consists of members from the CBAA, Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA), Christian Media & Arts Australia (CMAA), First Nations Media Australia, National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council (NEMBC), RPH Australia and Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF).
We discussed our shared vision for the community media sector and how we can continue working together to increase the benefits of community media for all Australians. Key discussion topics included the Codes of Practice review, improving station capacity and the policy and regulatory environment post-Election.
Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice Review update
The CBAA is currently working with the Australian Communications Media Authority to finalise a draft version of the Codes to present to the wider community broadcasting sector for consultation. Initial consultations have occurred with focus groups, sector representative organisations and the Codes Advisory Committee.
Recent drafts have focused on clarifying complaints handling processes for stations and ensuring the Governance Code provides stations with both the guidance and flexibility to continue best serving the needs of their communities. In the coming months, we'll present the draft for sector-wide feedback. Make sure you've signed up for our fortnightly eNews.
Got feedback on the current Codes? Email Holly Friedlander Liddicoat.
What else has happened recently?
- The CBAA has been working with the Community Council of Australia (CCA) to secure better policy support for charities and not-for-profits.
- As a member of the 'Australia's Right to Know Coalition' with other major media organisations, we've co-signed submissions regarding the Section 194K Evidence Act Discussion Paper, the Council of Attorneys-General Review of Model Defamation Provisions and the inquiry into Youth Justice and Related Legislation Amendment Bill 2019.
- The Inquiry into the Australian music industry report has been released. There were many positive statements made regarding community radio, highlighting how "critical" community radio is to the "Australian music ecosystem and the talent pipeline".
- A robust free press is vital to an open democracy. The CBAA supports the MEAA's position on media freedom and is committed to working with the media industry to protect public interest journalism.
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