Harmony Week (16–22 March) is a reminder of the important role community radio and TV plays in reflecting Australia’s cultural diversity, with stations across the country broadcasting local media content in more than 100 languages each week.
Community broadcasters deeply understand and engage the community in creating local media content that reflects, amplifies the diverse cultures, beliefs and languages of Australia.
Multicultural community broadcasting enriches our communities and nurtures a strong sense of belonging among all communities.
Community broadcasters produce 500 radio and two TV services across Australia to an audience of 5.4 million weekly listeners. These services carry thousands of hours of community language programming, connecting diaspora communities, supporting new migrants, and providing local content for audiences often underserved by mainstream media.
Dedicated multicultural community stations operate in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, while many general community stations also provide language and cultural programs for their local communities. Some faith-based broadcasters and an emerging digital-only service also contribute to the sector’s impact.
Community radio’s contribution is reflected in audience data, with more than 1.5 million culturally and linguistically diverse Australians listening to community radio each week, spending an average of more than 15 hours per week with the service.
CBAA CEO Jon Bisset said community broadcasting continues to play a central role in supporting multiculturalism and social connection across Australia.
“Community broadcasting plays a vital role in strengthening multiculturalism in Australia. Every week, community radio stations broadcast in more than 100 languages and produce thousands of hours of community language programs covering local news and information, arts and culture, local events which helps all Australians stay connected to community and each other. By amplifying diverse voices every day, community broadcasters make sure Australia’s media reflects the full richness of the people who live here.”
Chad Phillips, Membership and Engagement Coordinator, from the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting Council said“Multicultural broadcasting is vital because it empowers Australian broadcasters and content creators from CALD and multicultural backgrounds to share their languages, cultures, and stories, enriching the Australian media landscape while strengthening social cohesion and ensuring diverse communities have a strong and representative voice.”
Amplifying diverse voices is a key priority in Roadmap 2033, the sector’s ten-year plan to ensure community broadcasting remains accessible, inclusive and representative of modern Australia.
Across the sector, around 18,000 volunteers remain central to broadcasting, programs that reflect the languages, cultures and experiences of their communities. Stations continue to welcome new participants, with opportunities for people of all backgrounds to get involved both on air and behind the scenes.