The Wire

Late yesterday a report was tabled in parliament suggesting a wave of reforms for the community broadcasting industry – among them an extra $10 million in funding. The Standing Committee on Communications, Technology and the Arts have presented what’s been deemed long-awaited changes to the industry in a report titled ‘Tuning into Community Broadcasting.’ With more than twenty-thousand volunteers contributing to community radio and television across Australia, the committee sought to provide more managers and better licencing conditions to keep the industry afloat. They are now anxiously awaiting the response of Communications Minister Helen Coonan. Labor MP Julie Owens was part of the committee which completed the report, and outlines its key recommendations. President of the Southern Community Media Association, Graeme Macartney, says it’s about time the changes take place. Barry Melville, general manager of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia says the report addresses the key issue of management funding.