Today, 23 September 2024, we are marking a significant milestone in Australian media history—the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s decision to establish community broadcasting. This landmark Cabinet decision in 1974 paved the way for a third broadcasting sector in Australia, alongside the national broadcaster (ABC) and commercial broadcasters, giving life to the sector we are proud to be a part of today.
Read the decision and supporting documentation here.
Listen to a congratulatory message from the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
Stations that want to share this message with listeners can download it here.
A Landmark Moment
Before 1974, Australian media was dominated by two voices – public and commercial. The introduction of community broadcasting transformed this landscape, offering a platform where all Australians could be heard. It was a decision intended to amplify diverse voices and meet the interests of communities that had previously been underserved. Enabled by the introduction of FM radio technology, community broadcasting began as a bold experiment and has since become an essential pillar of Australia’s media landscape.
Among other groups community broadcasting was envisioned as being for:
“those who represent organisations that think they have something to say and want some better means of saying it”
“those who are associated with communities cut off from their rights and entitlements”
From 1974 Cabinet document.
2MBS Jazz presenter Kevin Jones with first station manager David James. 2MBS was Australia’s first stereo FM broadcaster. 2MBS will celebrate its 50th anniversary in February 2025.
The Growth of a Sector
Over the past 50 years, community broadcasting has grown substantially. Today, it boasts over 500 AM, FM, and DAB+ services across the country, alongside two dedicated television services. These services reach more than 5.19 million Australians every week – nearly a quarter of the population.
This reach speaks to the importance of community broadcasting as a medium that empowers local voices and celebrates cultural diversity. Community stations provide a platform for people from all walks of life, whether they’re sharing stories in their own language, championing local musicians, or keeping communities informed and connected.
A Shared Milestone
As we celebrate our own 50-year anniversary this year, we reflect not only on the journey of our organisation but also on the collective achievements of the sector. From the experimental licenses granted in 1974 to the diverse network of stations that serve communities today, none of this would have been possible without the Whitlam Government’s initiative to establish community broadcasting and the work of the subsequent Fraser Government to cement and extend the reforms. This bipartisan spirit exists through to today, with politicians across the political divide expressing their support for our sector.
This anniversary is also an opportunity for each community broadcaster to reflect on their own contributions to our media landscape. Each station’s journey is unique and embodies a sector dedicated to giving Australians a voice and serving their communities.
Looking to the Future
We remain committed to growing our sector’s capacity to serve diverse and underrepresented communities, providing essential services in times of need, and championing local music and arts. We look forward to the next 50 years and further innovation and inclusivity in Australian media, reinforcing the critical role of community broadcasting in ensuring that every voice is heard.
For a vision of the future to come for community broadcasting read Roadmap 2033: Community broadcasting’s plan for greater impact in every Australian community.
CBF President Ian Hamm, CBF CEO Jo Curtin, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, CBAA CEO Jon Bisset and CBAA Vice President Peter Rohweder at Roadmap 2033 Launch