Greens commit to keep community radio by restoring funding cuts
The Australian Greens will ensure funding for community digital radio, saving the sector from Malcolm Turnbull’s plan to axe funding and, ultimately, the community radio sector.
Greens MP Adam Bandt said the Greens have a long history of supporting the vital work of community broadcasting and that, without funding to support digital broadcasting, the entire sector risks being left behind.
“Community radio plays a pivotal role in our democracy, providing Australians with much needed media diversity and adding important additional voices to the media landscape,” Mr Bandt said.
“Community radio is a service that people in cities, regions and remote communities alike rely on to provide variety and local content.”
“Community radio also serves as an ‘on-the-job’ training ground for Australia’s largest media employer, the ABC, and a vast array of commercial radio stations across the country.”
“It is in the public interest that community radio continues to flourish, however our community radio stations face financial strife at the hands of Malcolm Turnbull and his Liberal government’s cuts.”
“The Greens are proud to support community broadcasting, by standing with the community and against these devastating cuts.”
“Under the Greens’ plan, this funding will continue, ensuring the sector’s digital stream and making sure we keep community digital radio on air well into the future.”
“The Greens are proud to stand up to the government’s harsh cuts and fight for local voices, music and culture.”
The Greens’ costed policy is to restore the $1.4m of funding per annum, with indexation, which supports the 37 metro-wide community radio services across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. This will ensure that community radio is sufficiently funded into the future.
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054