Greens stand up for community radio
The Australian Greens will call on the Federal Government to fund community broadcasters’ digital radio services in Parliament today, marking the national day of action for community radio.
Greens communications spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam and Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt will move motions in the Senate and the House recognising the great contribution made to Australian civil society by community broadcasters and calling on the Government to commit to adequate support for the sector.
“In the 2012 budget the Government left a funding shortfall for community digital radio services of $1.4 million per annum, making it impossible to maintain all of the current services. Community broadcasters are not-for-profit organisations and stations have already invested scarce resources to develop and support the production of content for their new digital radio services – without proper Federal support, that will go to waste and that waste could prove fatal,” said Senator Ludlam.
“Australia’s community broadcasters are an absolutely vital part of our media landscape and provide services that include specialist music, Indigenous media, multicultural and non-English language programs, religious, educational and youth services, print disability reading services, and community access programs. Their contribution is immense, and immensely important to civil society,” said Mr Bandt.
“At a time in which control of the mainstream media is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a shrinking number of oligarchs, the alternative voices provided by community broadcasters are more important than ever. The Federal Government must commit to keeping these vital services on the air,” said Senator Ludlam.
Listen In
Adam appeared on Melbourne community radio station PBS to discuss the shortfall of funding for digital radio and the Greens' work advocating for adequate funding to secure community radio's digital future. Listen to the audio here.