History
Community broadcasting in Australia emerged in the 1960s when demand was high for unique, localised content through radio. Listeners grew as did the respective radio stations and by the 1980’s, nearly 50 community radio stations across the country were on the airwaves.
With the number of listeners and community radio stations growing, an organisation to support the distribution of funding was needed, as was a champion to demonstrate the value of community broadcasting to the Australian Government.
In 1984, an extraordinary event in the history of community broadcasting occurred following a long period of campaigning. The Public Broadcasting Foundation (PBF) was formed. Led by a passionate Board representing the diversity of community broadcasters, the PBF was entrusted to ‘..distribute funding in a ‘non-political and impartial way*’.
A passion for community broadcasting united the Board and the supporting committees. Working together, they helped to grow government funding significantly to support community media. Each increase in funding was a win celebrated by the PBF and broadcasters – including significant investments in training, the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project, content and digital broadcasting. This passion for improving community broadcasting continues to sit at the heart of the CBF as we now provide more than $16.8 million in funding to support more than 450 community broadcasting services across Australia.
About
Sharing stories and creating connections
Every Australian has a unique story to tell – the Community Broadcasting Foundation helps to share these stories. Each year they grant more than $16.8 million so community media organisations can communicate, connect and share knowledge through independent radio, television and digital media.
From major cities to remote communities, their grants inspire people to create and support local, independent media. Their funding helps connect people across the country, including more than 5.7 million people who tune in to their local radio station weekly.
Through broadcasters and with the help of generous donations, the Community Broadcasting Foundation is a champion of independent media, diversity, multiculturalism and social justice. They work tirelessly every day to achieve their vision, ‘A voice for every community – sharing our stories’. They support all areas of community media including Indigenous, ethnic, regional and radio reading (RPH).
Indigenous media
Their support of community media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities helps their First Nations people celebrate place and identity. Stories are shared in native language, helping to maintain connections, preserve culture and express unique perspectives. With many Indigenous communities living in remote areas, these broadcasts also provide essential emergency communications.
Ethnic
Ethnic community media is as diverse as multicultural Australia, with programs broadcast in more than 100 different languages. Ethnic voices on the airwaves are a welcoming voice to new arrivals and for others, a way to connect to their cherished culture. Ethnic media also provides an opportunity for cross-cultural learning experiences.
Regional
In regional areas, community broadcasting is an invaluable, trusted resource for local news and information. Stations reflect the interests of their local community, including music, sports, environment and arts, connecting people separated by hundreds of kilometres, over the airwaves.
Radio reading
Radio reading brings print material to life for nearly five million Australians living with a print disability through physical limitations, learning disabilities and literacy issues. Reading radio ensures people with print disabilities have equal access to news, local updates and entertainment.
