Community radio
Community broadcasting is established in Parts 6 and 6A of the 
Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA). Under the terms of the BSA, planning for new community radio licences and all licence allocations for community radio are the responsibility of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Community broadcasting licences are granted for a period of five years on the basis of the comparative merit of the applicants in accordance with the criteria set out in Section 84 of the BSA. Where broadcasting spectrum is available, temporary community broadcasting licences are awarded to suitable applicants wishing to establish a community broadcasting service for periods of up to twelve months. These licences do not entitle holders to exclusive use of the frequency.
The community broadcasting sector's expansion has been rapid. The first radio station began broadcasting in 1972. There were 24 licensed community radio stations in 1978, 79 in 1998, and there were 351 licensed stations throughout Australia by September 2008, with another 60 aspirant broadcasting groups also operating on a temporary basis.
(Figures provided by ACMA's Licensing Section, and were current as at September 2008.)
Related Links
- ACMA website
- The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) is the national representative organisation for community broadcasters.
- The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) is an independent non-profit funding agency that solicits and distributes funds for the maintenance and development of community broadcasting in Australia .
- CBOnline provides an online presence for community stations and online resources for community broadcasters. It showcases sector activities and initiatives and places an emphasis on promoting and informing the general public about its dynamic and diverse nature and the integral role community broadcasting plays in supporting community life in Australia .
- The Community Broadcasting Database (CBD) is an online database through which information on the activities and operations of community stations can be collected and is the first initiative of its kind in the sector. Up to date, concrete information on the sector's status and progress is vital at both sector and station level.
