december 2010 || Quarterly Magazine Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
sustainable futures
How Green is Your Station? || The Voxies 2010 || By Invitation: Greens Senator Scott Ludlam
My prevailing 12 interest is the development
of a financially CBX is the quarterly magazine sustainable of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. 16 CBX is mailed to CBAA members community and stakeholders. radio sector Subscribe to CBX by emailing: [email protected] CBX is also available online at: www.cbaa.org.au/cbx
Editor: Julia Wylie Ph 02 9310 2999 By > Adrian Basso Email [email protected]
CBAA President Graphic Design: birdcreative contents Judith Martinez & Kasia Froncek This is my first CBX article as President so I’d like to introduce www.birdcreative.com.au President’s Column...... ifc myself and bring you up to speed on recent changes at the CBAA. Submissions: CBAA Update...... 2 I am privileged to be General Manager of Melbourne’s PBS Email articles and images 106.7FM, a station that has played and promoted the diverse to [email protected] On the Cover: interests of independent music for more than 30 years. Prior A Sustainable Sector? ...... 4 Advertising: 6 to this, I spent seven years at 3MBS. I thank my Italian parents For all advertising enquiries Getting the Message Across: for, ahem, ‘encouraging’ me to study accounting prior to music please contact the Editor. Views from the CBAA Board...... 8 because both have been most useful at the stations. My prevailing interest is developing a financially sustainable CBX content is CBAA On the Cover: BY INVITATION copyrighted. All rights reserved. community radio sector so that stations can reach their full Articles may be used by CBAA Greens Senator Scott Ludlam...... 9 members without permission, 7 potential by using the airways to make a profound difference On the Cover: to the communities they represent. provided credit is given. 09/10 Annual Report: an extract...... 11 I’m thrilled that my term as President coincides with the CBX is printed on: appointment of Kath Letch as the CBAA’s General Manager. ecoStar Radio Days: Radio Days: Goes Green...... 12 She’s one of the sector’s most respected figures and a former Station 2 Station: CBAA President herself. The CBAA Board also welcomes a new youth representative, Bradley Duence. 2Ser (Sydney, NSW) and 4CRM (Mackay, QLD)...... 13 Leaving big shoes to fill are former President Deb Welch Tech & Training: 3CMedia...... 15 and former GM Michele Bawden who have made enormous Out of the Box...... 16 contributions in their roles. I’d like to thank them for all their work. I’d also like to thank departing board member Libby Jamieson. At the CBAA...... ibc We live in a time of enormous change and challenges: technological, environmental, social. So it is a fascinating time to be in community radio and I look forward to working with you towards a sustainable future.
Adrian Basso www.pbsfm.org.au Guiding Principles Promote harmony and diversity and Community Broadcasting contribute to an inclusive, cohesive and Codes of Practice (2008) culturally diverse Australian community www.cbaa.org.au
2 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 2010 www.cbaa.org.au 1 By > Kath Letch Board discussions and a series of the 2010 voxies: meetings with ACMA representatives. award winners CBAA General Manager We look forward to letting CBAA members know ACMA’s response to our submissions in 2011. Recognising Excellence 2010 CBAA CONFERENCE in Community Broadcasting afternoon tea Thank you to all of the station SUSTAINABILITY Outstanding Youth Contribution: delegates who attended the CBAA AT THE CBAA Tyson Graham: 3OCR FM (Colac VIC) www.ocrfm.org.au conference in Hobart in October. In 2008 the CBAA underwent Highly Commended: Hobart turned on some fantastic a carbon emissions audit. This found Samual Harrison: Phoenix FM (Bendigo VIC) weather and local station 7THE that the CBAA had a relatively low the CBAA www.phoenixfm.org provided a great level of support carbon footprint. The CBAA has m to the conference this year. since established a worm farm for Best New Program or Content Initiative: 6DBY Voices of Derby Project (Derby WA) I hope you enjoyed the sessions and organic waste, reduced paper-based www.6dby.com.au workshops, discovered worthwhile correspondence and increased the information and ideas and enjoyed use of recycled materials. In fact this Excellence in Community Participation: ministerial address the social activities and conversations magazine is printed on recycled paper. gala dinner 6DBY Voices of Derby Project with people from stations all around Environmental sustainability is an Excellence in Digital Media: the country that are such a critical issue that many communities and SYN www.syn.org.au (Melbourne VIC) d Views fro part of the conference format. stations have been engaging with Excellence in Training: For those who attended this year’s increasingly in recent years, both 4ZzZ FM The Edge Space to Play Workshops an conference, the CBAA would very in terms of station practices and (Brisbane QLD). www.4zzzfm.org.au much appreciate your feedback. program content that reflects these Excellence in Ethnic and Multicultural Please let us know what worked, concerns within the community. Broadcasting: 3CR Girls on Air (Melbourne VIC) News what didn’t and any ideas you might Sustainable development is www.3cr.org.au have for future conferences. a broad concept that also has I’m also keen to hear from stations a high applicability to the community Contribution to Local Music: 3RRR Autumn Almanac & Winter Warmers that didn’t attend this year to find out broadcasting sector, including the voxies Series (Melbourne VIC). www.rrr.org.au more about what factors influence stations’ economic circumstances, stations interest or ability to attend engagement with volunteers and Excellence in Music Programming: the annual conference – costs, the community, resource levels FBi New Weird Australia (Sydney NSW) location, time availability and and content development. The CBAA www.fbiradio.com whether the conference provides the is interested to develop a greater Contribution to Indigenous Broadcasting: information you’re looking for may focus on models for sustainable Phoenix FM Koori Grapevine Aunty Mona’s all be factors for stations in deciding development for station operations Musings (Bendigo VIC). www.phoenixfm.org over the next couple of years. whether to attend or not. Please Excellence in Spoken Word, News and let us know your thoughts on this Current Affairs Programming: so we can take your views into NEW STAFF 2SER Double X (Sydney NSW). www.2ser.com account in planning for next year. We would like to welcome Alexandra Most Innovative Outside Broadcast or Special Please email [email protected] if Sabastian, our new Admin & Event Broadcast: you have any feedback or comments. Operations Manager who started 3CR Turn Up Your Radio (Melbourne VIC) at the CBAA on October 19. www.3cr.org.au Highly Commended: reguLATORY MATTERS We also have a new part-time DDN Highland FM 107.1 ANZAC Day Tribute 2010 In the last quarter the CBAA called on Support position, Barbara Peters, (Bowral NSW). www.highlandfm.org.au who joined the CBAA on October its members to provide their views on Most Outstanding Small Station: 12 working with the CRN team. the ACMA’s proposed Not-for-Profit WMA FM (Castlemaine VIC) Guidelines and revised B66 Form. Welcome to both Alexandra www.wmafm.com
All CBAA members are alerted to and Barbara. gala dinner Troy Garner Excellence in Sports ACMA issues directly via email and cbloggers in action Programming: via the CBAA’s fortnightly e-newsletter SEASON’S GREETINGS! North West FM Sports of All Sorts and we’re keen to provide as much (Hadfield VIC). www.northwestfm.org The CBAA wishes all our members information as possible around and associates a very happy and safe Tony Staley Award for Excellence in regulatory processes for our members. holiday season and a rewarding and Community Broadcasting: 6DBY Voices of Derby (Derby WA) The CBAA lodged two key submissions successful New Year. We look forward www.6dby.com.au with the ACMA in November, following to working with you all in 2011! Michael Law Award: Deborah Welch (Radio Adelaide SA). radio.adelaide.edu.au
2 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia December 2010 www.cbaa.org.au 3 • young broadcasters Rather than shy away from the unfamiliar technologies of the next generation, Great Lakes FM in Tuncurry NSW formed a social media ‘think tank’ to adjust to their community’s Gen Y
population. “We need to be ready and Caldicott D r H elen able to adapt to changing technology M volunteer party F M volunteer resh and the needs and preferences of F the younger generation,” says Station Manager Andrew Farr.
PEOPLE POWER Attracting and maintaining the participation of people is integral to station sustainablility. “The more people you involve, the more people there are who want to ensure the station not only survives but grows,” says the CBF’s Maureen O’Keeffe. As physician, author, environmental activist and community “Creating partnerships with local The more people radio presenter, Dr Helen Caldicott brings a unique councils, schools, community health centres and service providers can only you involve, the perspective to the question of sustainability in community strengthen and develop the station.” more people there broadcasting. Her weekly radio show, If You Love This Planet, Adelaide Youth Station Fresh FM are who want to broadcasts nationally via the Community Radio Network and started up twelve years ago with no in Canada and the United States. volunteers and no staff. Now, the ensure the station station employs ten staff and has a not only survives 2 SER of Balance, A question volunteer base of close to 300. By > Julia Wylie “I don’t see mainstream media taking “It’s all about harnessing passion,” but grows... responsibility for the specific education says Nic Nolan, General Manager. CBX Editor necessary to produce an informed Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 has also made organisation that helps community Brainstorming creative sources democracy,” she says. “Community a concerted effort to attract new projects get off the ground. of revenue can also secure a station’s broadcasting is the most important volunteers over the past few years. “Sustainability is about recognising longevity. “It’s important to have outlet for unbiased education and “We’ve been running our highly more than one source of income,” political commentary.” and utilising the resources you already successful A Taste of Radio training have,” says Donnie Maclurcan, says Donnie. PA has an online Planned While the independent not-for-profit course to give community members PA’s founder. Giving program, regular donors, nature of the sector is invaluable, an idea of basic studio operations, merchandise, a Speakers’ Bureau community broadcasters need to media law, broadcasting regulations To this end, PA creates ‘asset maps’ and creative fundraising events that work sustainably by adapting to the and the Codes of Practice,” says Nick for clients. “It basically maps out generate a regular stream of income changing needs of the community, Bassett, JOY’s IT and Engineering all the resources an organisation |to sustain Project Australia. inspiring their involvement and raising has in terms of networking, social ‘go-to’ man. “The majority of those Great Lakes FM has also combined media, costs, benefits, strengths revenue creatively. who complete the course become sponsorship with regular membership and weaknesses,” says Donnie. more involved with the station.” drives and a Fundraising Committee REMAINING RELEVANT “It’s amazing what you can find which looks for new ways to involve Sustainability and Development grants FRUITFUL FINANCE where there seems to be nothing.” local community groups in the station’s are allocated to community stations “We’re not here to make a profit. We’re activities. The station even has a team by the Community Broadcasting More often than not, slow and steady here for the community. We need to of volunteers who go to local hotspots Foundation each year. “It’s critical growth wins the race. It’s taken four make sure we can keep on doing this to conduct listener surveys. years for Coast FM to build up its that stations stay true to the reason by being proactive and creative,” says on-air sponsorship rates. “It’s about As independent media outlets, their licence was granted, but in a Chris Carpenter, Sponsorship Manager building relationships with people – not community broadcasters have the contemporary context,” says Maureen at Coast FM in Adelaide. “Sustainability simply selling products,” says Chris. power to shape and shift society. O’Keeffe, Chair of the CBF’s General in community broadcasting is about These days, 80 per cent of Coast FM’s To harness this potential, community Grants Advisory Committee. financing stations to stay on-air.” “This means stations must regularly sponsors continue supporting the broadcasters must focus on building review and renew what they do to ensure This attitude underpins Project station after the first deal is cut, sustainable futures - for their stations they are meeting community needs.” Australia (PA), a not-for-profit some for more than three years. and their communities.
4 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 2010 www.cbaa.org.au 5
project News across the sector The community broadcasting sector is made up of the following peak representative bodies: Australian Indigenous Communications Association (AICA) • Australia Community Television Alliance (ACTA) The CBAA manages three projects on behalf of the community broadcasting sector: Christian Media Australia (CMA) • Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) • Community Broadcasting Online Project (CBOnline) National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcaster’s Council (NEMBC) • Radio for the Print Handicapped Australia (RPH) Digital Radio Project (DRP) In addition, the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) is the sector’s funding body.
The Australian Communications Media documentaries (Content) that support CBOnline Community Broadcasting population trends have on multicultural Authority (ACMA) recently announced the Australian music sector, culture In an average week community radio Foundation policies, services, broadcasting and that 14 MHz of spectrum will be and musicians. stations broadcast 131 hours of local new media. allocated to the provision of Digital A new sector training body, the content that is produced by more than Any community radio broadcaster, staff Radio services in rural and regional Community Media Training Organisation The conference also discussed key 20,000 active volunteers in the sector. or volunteer is eligible to apply for the areas. The CBAA previously advocated (CMTO), will be operational from early NEMBC campaigns. In particular, Newsroom. Successful applicants will Matt Balogh from McNair Ingenuity for the allocation of at least 21 MHz January 2011. the NEMBC advocated support for be known as Music Correspondents used the results of the 2010 McNair to ensure there is adequate capacity new content production, access to new (MCs). Potential MCs are encouraged to The CMTO will manage the National Ingenuity National Listener Survey for all broadcast services. Training Project and function as a technologies and digital transmission. at the recent CBAA Conference to apply to join the Newsroom themselves registered training organisation (RTO) The NEMBC also requested that the illustrate how this commitment to For more information on spectrum instead of the station applying on their www.acma.gov.au serving the needs of the community federal government not only reinstate locally produced content attracts a allocation see . behalf. Stations will be notified of successful MC applicants and stations broadcasting sector. the Multicultural Affairs portfolio but major share of Australian listeners. For any questions about the DRP or will receive a small fee if they provide also elevate it to a full ministry. the CBAA’s position on Digital Radio It will operate independently from the The survey found that 4.43 million production resources to MCs. Foundation, with a Board drawn from NEMBC President Victor Marillanca people (26% of Australians) aged spectrum policy issues, please contact nominees of the peak national sector said, “It has taken Australia many over 15 years listen to community DRP Project Assistant, Alex White Once accepted into the Newsroom, representative organisations. years of effort and struggle to part radio every week. This shows an [email protected] MCs will be able to pitch Content with policies of assimilation and increase of 18% in the total number ideas through the online Newsroom AMRAP New guidelines for recognise that multiculturalism of people listening since 2004. Headquarters. If their pitch is approved NEMBC Amrap has just launched the Amrap by Amrap’s Newsroom Editor, the MC Training Delivery is the glue that binds all Australians The NEMBC conference took place in “Specialist music programs” and “local Newsroom to commission station will be paid to produce the Content. Grants will be published and the nation together.” Canberra this year from November 6 information / local news” were listed volunteers and broadcasters to make All Content will be available to order for in December. -7 and marked the celebration of the www.nembc.org.au as major reasons why people listen to radio pieces for national distribution. airplay via AirIt - Amrap’s online music NEMBC’s 25th anniversary. community radio every week. The Foundation is also introducing CMA Successful applicants to the Newsroom and content catalogue. a number of the recommendations from More information on the survey can www.amrap.org/newsroom This year, the conference explored will be paid to produce news items and the National Training Program Review, Christian Media Australia has partnered be found at www.cbonline.org.au/info . the history and future of ethnic including the introduction of ‘pathways with Amrap to develop a Christian Music www.cbonline.org.au community broadcasting - the voice training’: unaccredited training based Initiative to get more Christian music to
rio of multicultural Australia. on accredited resources and taught radio via Amrap’s AirIt service. Digital Radio Highlights included keynote present- by recognised trainers. A ‘Christian’ genre has now been added The formal launch of Community ations from Dr. Stepan Kerkyasharian T he S tiff G ins to the AirIt catalogue and Christian Digital Radio Services will occur Pathways training aims to both develop AM, who has been involved in John Butler T John Butler artists can apply under a customised in early 2011. skills and encourage trainees to engage community radio for over 30 years application. with accredited training in the future. and Pino Migliorino, chair of FECCA, Test signals are now up and New guidelines for Training Delivery Australia’s peak multicultural The CMA will be highlighting new running in Sydney, Melbourne, Grants will be published in December. community organisation. artists on our website as they are added Brisbane and Adelaide. Testing to the AirIT catalogue and encourages services will be established in Perth Check the CBF website and subscribe They looked at the role of community artists to submit their tracks via the shortly. Once testing is complete, to the CBF Update monthly e-newsletter radio for migrant and refugee Christian Artist application page on full services will be brought on-air for more information about current CBF communities and the road ahead for www.airit.org.au. in capital cities. grant opportunities. multicultural broadcasting, as well as the affect that immigration and www.christianmedia.org.au
Montpelier www.cbf.com.au
6 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 2010 www.cbaa.org.au 7 Jonathan Brown, Radio Adelaide “It’s about people. We need to engage people in the values and the future of the sector and ensure we have the skills to make it happen. It’s important to reinforce the reasons why we love this BOARD sector in the first place.” WE ASKED THE CBAA What does sustaina bility in community g mean to you? broadcastin Remember: you are the media, you run By > Julia Wylie radio stations, you talk to millions of CBX Editor Phillip Randall, Hope 103.2 people...You reach half the Australian “A sustainable community population in any given year. broadcasting sector is one where Adrian Basso, PBS the balance between community “The development of a financially involvement and community sustainable community radio service, and the need to run a Plus we’re local, we say what we think. weren’t there, Australia would really sector so that stations are firmly community station in a businesslike By > Scott Ludlam, I wouldn’t be in this business if I wasn’t miss them. It doesn’t matter whether positioned to achieve their full manner, has been achieved.” Bradley Duence, Edge Radio Australian Greens Senator potential. Also, using the airways “It means creating longevity - for Western Australia able to do so and I expect this holds true you agree with the opinions, enjoy the and other means to make a a solid future for the station, Australian Greens’ spokesperson for community broadcasters as well. music or even understand the language for Communications, Housing, Finally, if either of us loses touch with that’s coming out: we would really miss profound and lasting difference opportunities for its staff, Human Heritage, Legal Affairs, grass roots in our communities, then to the communities we represent, volunteers and the surrounding Local Government, Mining, you if you weren’t there. Nuclear Issues, Public Transport we’re out of business. That’s as true for be they music, ethnic, indigenous, community. Sustainability can Your Vision 2015 election campaign, and Sustainable Cities. a community radio station as it is for religious or otherwise.” allow a station more independence which sought an additional $25 million a political party. and the ability to remain free My background in community radio in funding, was supported by the from the control of commercial starts in an unusual place. Twenty Now is a very interesting time to be in Greens. This is $1.13 per Australian per interests.” years ago I was the scraggly kid who politics. The advocates that the commu- year, or two cents per week for each designed one of the first program nity broadcasting sector sends up to of us. Is everybody OK with two cents guides for 6RTR, just as Kath Letch Parliament House in Canberra do a a week for the community broadcasting really effective job and I very much want Leenie Fabri, 3ZZZ took over as station manager. sector? It sounds affordable to me. to acknowledge the work that they do. Collectively, community broadcasting “Because of my involvement Over the years I’ve had an association Georgia Webster, SYN at 3ZZZ, the largest ethnic with RTR, one of the major community It’s always wonderful to see community is worth it. “A future where the breadth and community station in Australia, radio stations serving Perth. It has advocates. They’re running on a Remember: you are the media, you run diversity of Australian culture, I am able to spread the basic an incredibly eclectic smorgasbord shoestring budget but driving a really John MacInnes, 3WAY radio stations, you talk to millions of ideas and perspectives are present tenets of sustainability to an of all kinds of programming, from the solid agenda into that building and “Sustainability for a community people. That’s a little trick you’ve got (and vibrant!) in our media and in audience that is often ignored obscure to the important, the topical putting coherent arguments that cut station is about relationships. that some other interest groups don’t our communities.” by mainstream media.” to the frankly unlistenable. And we’d through. The CBAA did that during the It needs good internal have. You reach half the Australian really miss it if it wasn’t there. 2010 federal election campaign and population in any given year. That sounds relationships, sound policies I congratulate you on that. and procedures and must be an I think there’s an affinity between the like a lot of people to me and that critical integral part of its community. Danae Gibson, JOY Australian Greens and the community As a Greens Senator, I spend a fair fact got deployed very strategically It must be accessible, open, “The sustainability of our organisation is not just about radio sector. Not in a political sense, bit of time talking about bio-diversity. during the election campaign. welcoming of young people building great partnerships with other gay and lesbian but in an organisational sense and Diversity is just as important in The catchcry of the Indymedia websites, and receptive to new technologies organisations in Melbourne and across Australia, nor is maybe even a cultural sense. politics and I hope that is part of the which I’m still inordinately fond of, constructive role the Greens play in and ideas. A secure funding base it just about keeping costs to a minimum so that we can Firstly, we don’t have the major say ‘don’t hate the media, be the the next couple of years, as I hope helps too.” keep our equipment needs well met. Sustainability is corporate sponsorship base that media’. Thank you very much for being we’ve been doing over the last 20 years about the most vital resource of community broadcasting big players do. We survive on small the media. in state and federal parliament. – our volunteers. The challenge is to understand their donations and quite a bit of love. That’s This is an edited version of Senator motivation to contribute; to respect and reward their the second thing – both of us survive Cultural diversity is important too. Ludlam’s keynote address to the CBAA efforts, to maintain a healthy workplace and build on our volunteer base. If we lost that Australia has one of the most tightly Conference in Hobart on 22 October 2010. their skill base for the benefit of our organisation community cohesion and community controlled and centrally owned and and the individual.” spirit in what we did, we wouldn’t last planned media environments anywhere www.greens.org.au very long. in the world. If community broadcasters www.indymedia.org
8 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 2010 www.cbaa.org.au 9 TRADE IN annualSummary: 2009-2010 YOUR OLD TRANSMITTER report Off set the price of your new transmitter. Available from 15 watts to 20KW President’s Report third was Programming and Content Member Advice, Services, with most mentioning CRN/ Information & Support In 2009 the CBAA worked with the 09/10DDN specifically. This year the CBAA re-introduced other national sector representative the Membership Manager role. bodies to develop Vision 2015: a five year Our Audited Financial Statements show We are now providing more active plan to renew Australia’s community that the CBAA made a small surplus member advice, support, resources, broadcasting sector and create the this financial year. We have budgeted information and communications. world’s most innovative, accessible carefully and conservatively for 2010/11 community media. and project a surplus large enough A key component is the consolidation for us to begin to rebuild the CBAA’s and development of services to meet This document has formed the reserves, so we are better able to cope clearly established member needs - backbone of our lobbying and with tough times in the future. such as Conflict Resolution Guidelines campaigning throughout 2010. and Mediation services. Vision 2015 enabled us to meet the Government’s commitment to General Manager’s Report Much work has gone into launching social inclusion by illustrating our The past year has been a challenging pro-bono mediation, by building a commitment to social justice, as well one for the CBAA. I would like to relationship with the not-for-profit as linking the future of community acknowledge the hard work and Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators broadcasting to the development sacrifices of all CBAA staff to assist of Australia (IAMA). of the Digital Economy. the CBAA to return a small surplus Programming & Content However the 2010 budget saw no joy. this year. Key areas of CBAA activity Distribution Services The federal election came earlier over the year included: We are very proud of the great than expected, with a short campaign programming content produced by in July/August 2010 during which Sector Policy, Lobbying & Advocacy community radio stations, teams and we were successful in securing the The CBAA represents the sector in individuals across the country and Greens’ commitment to the Vision 2015 a number of key industry forums. are honoured to be able to distribute strategy. While we were disappointed Advocacy which has taken place during it to stations who subscribe to the that Labor and the Coalition made no the year includes: Community Radio Network (CRN). commitments, we are hopeful that the Emergency Broadcasting: liaison with Greens support will translate to an Every week our program distribution Federal Attorney General’s Department increase in funding for the sector in the service provides 168 hours of content and State Governments new parliamentary term. to over 180 stations with over 98 per ACMA: regarding Community cent reliability. The diverse schedule We identified in late 2009 that CBAA Participation & Temporary Licence includes hourly news reports, daily income was falling short of our budget. Guidelines, Remote Indigenous current affairs, weekly talks, special Unfortunately this led to two CBAA staff Broadcasting Services (RIBS) broadcasts of music and cultural redundancies in January. To ensure we festivals, sport, documentaries and consolidated areas that were seen as DBCDE Submissions: re NBN, Digital music features. BROADCAST SPECIALISTS most critical to our members, we asked Dividend, Spectrum Restacking & members to identify the three most Regional Commercial Radio Local
important activities for the CBAA. Content requirements For the complete version of the Nearly all Members identified Advocacy Collateral: the Voices and Vision booklet and Lobbying and Advice, Resources provides useful background and context 2009-2010 CBAA Annual Report go to and Information as priorities. A clear to our sector. www.cbaa.org.au/annualreport. Call: Glenn Welsh on 07 3266 6779 or email [email protected] 10 The Quarterly Magazinewww.n-com.com.au of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 09 www.cbaa.org.au 11 goes green
Thousands of diverse and inspiring people volunteer at community stations across Australia. The following three stations have used this creative resource to make their station more sustainable in a unique way. Read on and get inspired to do the same. station Environmentalism Carbon Neutrality Environmentally @ 2SER @ 4ZzZ Friendly Hub @ JOY 94.9 A Question of Balance is a grassroots Brisbane’s community radio station Almost three years ago, the City station environmental show on Sydney’s 2SER 4ZzZ was recently awarded a of Melbourne decided to convert their 107.3fm (Sydney Educational Radio). Sustainability Grant from the Brisbane old Council office into a new community It has been on-air for over five years City Council. This funding will take the and cultural hub. JOY 94.9 was given the thanks to an ever expanding group station one step further towards the opportunity to rent the top floor of this of enthusiastic experts including the ultimate goal of carbon-neutrality. innovative restoration project, along program’s presenter, Ruby Vincent. with 15 other community groups. The grant has enabled the station to We briefed and trained our volunteers support really makes a difference. “We do deal with important issues but JOY’s studio walls have been constructed By > Julia Wylie purchase new LCD energy efficient about two months beforehand so they This awareness will stay in the back attempt to avoid the doom and gloom computer monitors to replace the old from Durra, an environmentally friendly CBX Editor knew exactly what the theme was and of listener’s minds for years to come. ‘inevitable’ approach since the average energy-sapping CRT monitors, which straw compound that is recycled and how to integrate it into their programs. www.helloradiomyoldfriend.com person simply tunes out and there is no were conscientiously disposed of. recyclable. point in just preaching to the committed The station has also recycled in less Stations’ annual subscriber drives Elements Dennis Heape, environmental activists,” says Ruby. “We believe it’s important and feel it is our duty to ensure the credibility conventional ways. “Don’t be afraid provide an essential source of Our volunteers were priceless. Acting Station Manager The weekly, 30-minute show explores of our public stance by taking positive to reuse equipment that might revenue and strengthen the We asked everyone to put up a poster 4CRM 107.5 FM I Mackay, QLD practical ways the community can action in line with our ethos,” says otherwise go to landfill,” says Nick community’s connection to the station where they usually hang out. www.4crm.com.au improve the environment while still Giordana Caputo, 4ZzZ’s Volunteer Basset, Technical Operations manager by inviting listeners to become This way, people got talking to their What People Want maintaining an enjoyable standard and Training Coordinator. at JOY. “We obtained eight PCs from members. They are often the key local business about the drive. of living. The AQOB team interviews an ex-corporate space. Not one of them to station sustainability. 4CRM’s subscriber drive took place independent academics and 4ZzZ has also undertaken an energy has failed so far. If they do, swapping We ran three weeks of high visibility throughout the week of November professionals from relevant industries audit with thanks to Enlightened Energy parts is a cinch because they’ve got There are a variety of ways to approach ads in the Sydney’s street press as 22nd, 2010. We had ads on the local well as Vice Magazine. around the country and the world. and is in the process of installing identical parts!” subscriber drives. We spoke to TV channel encouraging listeners Sydney’s 2SER and 4CRM in Mackay energy efficient lighting throughout Social media provided live updates. to sign up that week. Each show can be downloaded from JOY’s lights and air-conditioners (QLD) about what works for them. the building, as well as timers on their We also had web banners on relevant the program’s website www.aqob.com. are also on timers that reduce usage Subscriber drives also are great for external lighting displays. websites. au or podcasted from 2SER’s website. outside business hours and on Tes Ross, Marketing + finding out what audiences wants. A Question of Balance is also 4ZzZ also continues to generate weekends. Air conditioning is also Development Manager We freshened up our merchandise We conduct surveys at popular public distributed through the Community a percentage of its own power through kept to a minimum and only used 2Ser 107.3 FM I Sydney, NSW and branding too. Special artwork was places to make sure we can approach Radio Network. their solar panels. to chill the studio block. www.2ser.com designed for posters / ads / banners, as many locals as possible. www.2ser.com www.4zzzfm.org.au www.joy.org.au merchandise and the website. Themes This gets your station’s name out there, The website itself was a great tool. enables community interaction as well 2SER’s Annual Radiothon was held It was linked from 2ser.com but was as market research. between the 11th and 23rd of October a different way for people to interact 2010. We centred it on a nostalgic with the station. Creative Incentives reference to radio – Hello Radio My We’ve been able to get a number of local Old Friend. We personified radio as Subscriber packs are vital. We included businesses on board because we offer someone who is part of your childhood, a Spunk Records pack, a Time Out them benefits. For example, if a local reliable and always there with subscription, merchandise and an retailer becomes a member, a 10 per something interesting to say. updated program guide. cent discount is offered to the station’s Planning Results subscribers who shop at their store. We developed a project plan with Subscriber Drives don’t just get the We also put the names of contributing timelines, a breakdown of key goals word out there here and now. They’re retailers in a hat. Each week we draw one and the tasks we needed to complete a reminder that community radio is name out of the hat and that business will to achieve those goals. worthwhile and that the community’s get discounted on-air sponsorship rates.
Are you part of a sustainable station? We want to hear from you! Let us know all the weird www.cbaa.org.au 13 12 and wonderful ways your station is going green. email [email protected] www.cbaa.org.au Small budget? Big deal. read all about it 3C Media
By > Stephen Hahn
CBOnline Manager
Each year the CBAA publishes its • “The Learning and Teaching online academic journal, 3CMedia, Partnership of the Community to promote, debate and discuss Radio and Tertiary Education research on community-based media Sectors at Radio Adelaide, 2SER and culture. and 2MCE”: the historical partnership between community 3CMedia is an excellent resource for broadcasting and higher education community broadcasters, exploring • “Community Media and Ethical diverse issues and perspectives that Choice”: the relationship are relevant to our sector. between broadcasting and Highlights from the current edition, online community media. Issue 6, include: • “Digital Stories and Emerging Sound interesting to you? Citizens”: the media practises Go to www.cbonline.org.au/3CMedia of young African refugees and Cambodian migrants living in Western Sydney Your budget keeps shrinking while • “De-Tooling Technology”: should social networking technologies your responsibilities grow. You’re doing be seen as the easy solution to more with less. And you’ve realised some console every problem? companies think that because you’re cost-conscious, you’ll settle for scraps. They toss you a stripped-down, featureless, lightweight toy of a console and expect you to feel grateful just because it costs less. Like they’re doing you a favour. Wall-wart power supplies? Really?
Axia thinks you deserve better. We don’t cut stuff out to reduce cost. Instead, we find ways to get you more THE NEW PHONEBOX IS HERE! for your money. Much more. Meet the new iQ radio console. Packed with major-market features. Like automatic mix- minus. Four stereo mix buses. Built-in phone integration. Avionics-grade switches, faders and displays. Rugged laser-engraved Broadcast from anywhere with the new Phonebox. Simply insert a sim machined-aluminium construction. Snapshot console settings recall. A separate, rack-mount engine with audio, logic, mixing, card and dial into your studio using the 3G/GSM voice network. Low cost, bulletproof power supply and a multi-port network switch built right in. Expandable to 24 faders. Everything professional- easy to use and does not require expensive point to point equipment! grade. No fans, no RCA connectors, no cheap faders or switches. And no wall-wart power supplies, for cryin’ out loud. Ideal for Outside Broadcasts, Sports Broadcasts, Live Interviews, ENG, News crosses and much more. An 8-fader iQ costs only USD $7,990.00 *. Really. For more information or to arrange a demo please contact Elan Audio.
A TELOS COMPANY PROFESSIONAL BROADCAST PRODUCTS AxiaAudio.com Elan Audio Equipment is Designed and Manufactured in our own Factory in Western Australia Distributed by AVC Group and designed to meet Professional Broadcast Standards and Specifications. Tel.: 1-800-631-728 Email: [email protected] Elan Audio, 2 Steel Court, South Guildford, Western Australia 6055 14 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 2010 Phone 08 9277 3500 Fax 08 9478www.cbaa.org.au 2266 [email protected] www.elan.com.au 15 * US MSRP. Excludes GST and freight. © 2010 TLS Corp. THE CBAA TECHNICAL SECTOR PROJECT The Community Broadcasting SUB -COMMITTE COMMITTEES Association of Australia TSC Chair On behalf of the sector, is the national peak body Janet Cook; Eastern FM 98.1 the CBAA manages three for community broadcasters, TSC members major sector-wide projects: providing leadership, John Maizels; 2NSB CBOnline, Amrap and the advocacy and support Digital Radio Project. for our members and Heidi Tobin; KLFM the sector as a whole. Michael Tobin; KLFM Digital Radio Maria Walsh; CBAA Consultative Representative CBAA membership Committe A full list of the CBA Chair membership can be found David Melzer at www.cbaa.org.au SATELLITE ADVISORY COMMITTE Sydney Rep/ 2CBA Phillip Randall Chair CBAA BOARD Melbourne Rep/ 3MBS John MacInnes; 3WAY Cameron Paine OF DIRECTORS SAC Members Brisbane Rep/ 4EB President Rob Meaton; 2BOB Peter Rohweder Adrian Basso; PBS Ken Westerman; 2TRR Adelaide Rep/ 5RPH Vice President Radio Geoff Pegler; 5EFM Hans Reimer John MacInnes; 3WAY GGAC Representative Perth Rep / 6RPH Board Directors Bob Rau; 3NOW Peter Luckett Phillip Randall; Terry Mather (alternate); 7THE Sydney’s 103.2 CBAA Advisers Danae Gibson; 3JOY Kath Letch Georgia Webster; CBAA STAFF General Manager David Sice I share presenting with four great SYN FM General Manager Technical Consultant Jonathan Brown; Kath Letch co-presenters, who work hard at making Radio Adelaide Alex White Membership Manager Project Assistant sure the show continues its 14 year long Women’s Representative Maria Walsh Leeni Fabri; 3JOY Observers: Policy & Campaigns Manager Ian Stanistreet tradition of high quality radio. Youth Representative Alexis Roitman CBF Executive Director Bradley Duence; Operations Manager Edge Radio Alexandra Sabastian Sector Projects IT Coordinator Consultative Committee Andrew Devenish-Meares FINANCE STANDING Chair/ General Manager to transform our cities by turning roofs In fact, they work a little too hard and COMMITTE Finance Coordinator Kath Letch By > Domenica Settle Robin Carter into gardens and a community member can sometimes be found in our small Chair/ Finance/ President CBA President who’s taking on the economic system poster-covered office at times of the Adrian Basso; 3PBS Administration Assistant Adrian Basso Presenter of Earth Matters on 3CR Danny Chifley by encouraging his neighbours to be night when sensible people are asleep. Board Director RPH Australia Chair Phillip Randall; CRN Technical Coordinator both old fashioned and radical Peter Luckett A few months ago I interviewed All that hard work seems to be paying Hope 103.2 Ben Feggans by sharing. AICA President Ursula Rakova for the Earth Matters off though, because a whole lot of General Manager Satellite Operations Jim Remedio Kath Letch; CBAA Coordinator show. She sat across from me in the I first got involved in radio as an 18 stations broadcast the show across Martin Walters NEMBC President Victor Marillanca JP studio, quietly spoken, articulate and year old at the university’s student the country. Knowing that all kinds Communications Coordinator determined. She’s from the Carteret YOUTH ENGAGEMENT Julia Wylie CMA CEO radio station, back in the good old days of people are going to hear the show David Turrell Islands in Papua New Guinea, which COMMITTE DDN Support when you had to submit a demo but makes all that editing worth it. It also Observers: Chair Barbara Peters are disappearing under the waves everybody’s demos got accepted. means that we can help people like CBF Executive Director Jonathan Brown; as underwater geological activity Executive Assistant Ian Stanistreet We used to prepare our show on music Ursula get their stories out there – Radio Adelaide Tracey Savage DBCDE combines with climate change to force and politics just before going to air stories which need to be heard, YEC Members Technical Consultant Judy Hiscox people to abandon their homeland. and then tell people to not ring till we but are also well worth listening to. Georgia Webster; David Sice CBAA Board & SYN put on a track, because the phone was CBAA SECTOR Ursula is helping her people migrate www.3cr.org.au in the studio and you could hear Bradley Duence; Edge Radio PROJECTS STAFF and is busy dealing with the logistics Nik Tripp; 3RRR of building houses, creating livelihoods it ringing on air. I remember those days Also distributed nationally on the CBOnline Manager Rubina Carlson; 5EBI Stephen Hann and finding money, as well as dealing of no preparation fondly when I’m part Community Radio Network each Amrap Manager with the heartache. But for all that, way through hours of editing an Earth Friday at 4pm. Matters show! Chris Johnson she’s optimistic. She’s been involved Amrap Communications with climate change issues for a long I’ve been presenting Earth Matters for & CD Mailout Coordinator time and now she says people are almost two years now, from the studios Brigitte Dagg finally starting to change. Amrap Distribution Coordinator of 3CR in Melbourne. The equipment Brooke Olsen can be a bit retro but there’s always a You get to talk to some interesting Digital Radio Project buzz of people who are busy being the Technical Consultant people when you present Earth community who create community radio. David Sice Matters. The weekly show does in- DR Project Assistant depth environmental coverage and I share presenting with four great Alex White has seen me talking to a farmer co-presenters, who work hard at whose farm could be destroyed by making sure the show continues its 14 a coal mine, an architect who wants year long tradition of high quality radio.
16 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 2010 18 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • December 2010