APRIL 2011 || The Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

ON AIR

A Local Focus || Dispute Resolution Initiative || Social Networking 101

We have lift off... 36 metro-wide CBX is the triennial magazine of the Community Broadcasting community radio Association of Australia.

stations officially CBX is mailed to CBAA members launch their and stakeholders. Subscribe to CBX by emailing: digital services! [email protected] CBX is also available online at: www.cbaa.org.au/cbx By > Adrian Basso Follow us on Twitter: CBAA President @_CBX_ Like us on Facebook: CBX

We have lift off! From April, across Australia, 36 metro-wide community EDITOR: radio stations will officially launch their digital services. Nell Greco Ph 02 9310 2999 This marks a new era for community radio and, just like the lunar landing, Email [email protected] it has not occurred by chance or overnight. It has involved many years of lobbying, planning, negotiations, wading through complex legislation and GRAPHIC DESIGN: contracts and considerable determination to ensure community broadcasters’ birdcreative Judith Martinez participation in the digital radio framework. & Kasia Froncek www.birdcreative.com.au The implementation of digital radio in the five mainland capital cities is the first stage of the digital radio roll out. The CBAA will continue to advocate SUBMISSIONS: and negotiate for the inclusion of all community broadcasters as digital radio Email articles and images develops. to [email protected] Minister Conroy’s article, on page nine, acknowledges both the Federal ADVERTISING: For all advertising enquiries Government’s recognition of our contribution to Australian cultural life and its please contact the Editor. commitment to including community broadcasters in the new digital era. This commitment has assisted with this initial step to digital for our metropolitan CBX content is CBAA broadcasters - it’s an important step to acknowledge and celebrate. copyrighted. All rights reserved. Articles may be used by CBAA This edition of CBX also draws attention to community broadcasters working members without permission, closely with the Local Government sector. Plus CBX notes the launch of a new provided credit is given. service for CBAA members: the Community Broadcasting Dispute Resolution CBX IS PRINTED ON: Initiative. It will provide assistance for stations with internal disputes via ecoStar access to pro bono mediation services. The Community Broadcasting Census also kicks off in May through the CBOnline Project. I encourage all stations to make sure they respond, so the sector has as much information as possible to ensure our lobbying reflects COVER ILLUSTRATION: activities and issues from right across our sector. Mike Lemanski

The 2011 Community Broadcasting Station Census IN THE FIELD MAY 2011 For the first time conducted on behalf of the CBOnline Project for the community broadcasting sector by McNair Ingenuity Research. For more info contact [email protected]

2 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 ON AIR ON

17 page4 13 contents

President’s Column...... ifc CBAA Update...... 2 On the Cover: COMMUNITY DIGITAL RADIO LAUNCHES...... 4 Project News...... 6 Across the Sector...... 7 Getting the Message Across: Community Broadcasting Census...... 8 By Invitation: Minister Conroy...... 9 On the Cover: A LOCAL FOCUS...... 12 On the Cover: 15 COMMUNITY BROADCASTING DISPUTE RESOLUTION INITIATIVE...... 15 On the Cover: RADIO DAYS: DOES SOCIAL NETWORKING...... 16 Station 2 Station: 30CR (Colac, VIC) and 6RPH (Perth, WA)...... 17 Tech & Training: Online Broadcasting Platforms...... 19 Out of the Box...... 20 At the CBAA...... ibc

GUIDING Promote the principles of democracy, access and equity, especially for people PRINCIPLES and issues not adequately represented Community Broadcasting in other media. Codes of Practice (2008) By > Kath Letch funding, as did David Melzer both in his role as CBAA President and CBAA General Manager currently as Chair of the Digital Radio Consultative Committee. COMMUNITY I’ve had the pleasure of working DIGITAL RADIO with all of these people, and others I recall beginning to consider digital involved at various times, in the radio when I was CBAA President development of community digital in the mid 90’s. It’s been a long haul radio. It’s a satisfying moment to see to the start of community digital services launching. radio services. The Digital Radio Project operates There are a number of people who with the support of Federal Govern- ment funding and the Community have played major roles during that

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE CBAA Broadcasting Foundation (CBF). Under time who I would like to acknowledge. Federal Government policy the first CBAA Technical Consultant, David stage rollout is solely applicable to the Sice, has done a remarkable job of mainland capital cities and metro- working through the technical and wide community services. policy issues for the introduction of The CBAA has long been committed digital radio throughout that period. to the principle of access for He’s also responsible for the community broadcasters, both radio design and implementation of the and television, to all free-to-air community digital radio network broadcast platforms. for services being launched across Participation in the introduction April and May for metropolitan-wide of the digital broadcasting is critical community stations. to pursuing the longer term aim of Barry Melville, in both the roles of access to digital broadcasting for Policy Officer and General Manager all community broadcasting licensees of the CBAA, also contributed by the CBAA. It has been a central significantly to early planning and part of the organisation’s work over lobbying for digital radio access and the last 15 years.

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2 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 Community Digital Radio launches... SAVE THE DATE! CBAA CONFERENCE SURFERS PARADISE

ILLUSTRATOR: ERIC LOBBECKE is an award-winning artist and illustrator 17-20 NOVEMBER 2011 based in Sydney who in 2010, was Awarded a Walkley Award for Best Artist. As well as contributing illustrations to National newspapers, Lobbecke creates images on request - online. Visit www.opinionsketch.wordpress.com or www.hirethehandthatdraws.wordpress.com and make your request for an illustration from Eric. You can also follow him on twitter: @hthtdraws

It’s only a part of the CBAA’s work, However, there remains an important of course. We provide a range of distinction in maintaining access to other critical services to members; free-to-air broadcast platforms for representation and lobbying for the long term development and role sector development, funding and of community media. support to stations and information Alongside online platforms and social dissemination, to name just a few of media developments, the collective our priority areas. process involved in local community Access to digital broadcast platforms broadcasting plays a pivotal role in will remain a priority for the CBAA. many Australian communities. It is central to our role in representing The introduction of community digital licensees and ensuring a long term radio will undoubtedly make a strong position for community broadcasters contribution to the diversity and local in access to broadcast spectrum. content of digital radio services on Digital radio and television also sits offer. It is a critical step for the whole alongside other developments and community radio sector. delivery platforms in digital and social Keep up to date with other CBAA media. Community broadcasters are news at www.cbaa.org.au and the increasingly engaged across fortnightly CBAA Email Update all platforms. (register on the website).

TRAINING BROADCASTERS? Update your resources. MAKING RADIO 3rd edition New chapters on digital radio and new technology, plus the latest on legal changes. Available online www.allenandunwin.com or ask for it at your local bookshop.

www.cbaa.org.au/cbx 3 By > Alex White It represents a substantial infra- For the first time since the initial structure investment in Australian development of community radio Project Assistant Digital Radio Project community broadcasting. in Australia in the 1970’s, stations have the opportunity to explore CBAA President Adrian Basso says, programming ideas on a new terrestrial Metropolitan-wide community radio “Federal funding has been instrumental broadcast platform, without affecting stations in Adelaide, Brisbane, in providing access to the community or interrupting their existing analog Melbourne, Perth and Sydney will be broadcasting sector on the new digital transmission. celebrating the launch of digital radio radio platform. Our locally produced transmissions during April and May. content, along with a strong tradition Many stations are approaching this in This marks an exciting stage in the a stage-by-stage process, beginning rollout of digital radio in Australia and This marks an exciting with simulcasts of existing programs. is the culmination of much activity and stage in the rollout of Time shifting of existing programs, new shows and shared content is being effort from the community sector over digital radio in Australia many years. planned as the platform develops. and is the culmination of The Federal Government’s digital In Brisbane 4ZzZ has developed an radio policy framework calls for an much activity and effort entirely new service called Zed Digital, initial roll out in mainland capital cities. from the community featuring accessible music while Spectrum planning for regional digital sector over many years. remaining true to the station’s indie/ radio is now underway, though the alternative ethos. The station has built a new studio space and is encouraging introduction of regional digital radio is in innovation will help drive the take applications specifically for shows on subject to the development of Federal up of this new service, while providing Zed Digital. Government policy. another voice for the community The inclusion of community radio on that is not represented elsewhere Also in Brisbane, 4MBS is further the digital radio platform has been in broadcasting.” expanding its fine music offering to include operetta, music from film, made possible through funding from To mark the occasion, metro stations Swing, Big Band, light classical and the Federal Government, administered are holding launch events, both spoken word (including radio plays) by the Community Broadcasting individually and in cooperation with via its digital transmission, MBS Light. Foundation. Implemented by the CBAA’s other stations in their capital city, Digital Radio Project, this funding has celebrating the sector’s new capacity In South Australia, Adelaide’s 5RPH provided for costs associated with and its impact on services for their own will present Iris, a magazine-style digital broadcasting including access communities. Check the Radius website format with an emphasis upon lifestyle fees, connectivity, and administration. for details (see inset). and entertainment-related content.

4 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 CROSS CITY DIGITAL SERVICE Inspire is a new digital radio service developed by Sydney’s Hope 103.2 in partnership with 96.5 Family FM in Brisbane and LifeFM 107.9 in Adelaide. The service includes content from all three stations focused upon Christian teaching and worship music. The stations will utilise the Digital Radio Project’s dedicated contribution network to deliver and exchange program material for the service.

As Adelaide is also a hub of interest They are planning to roll out new digital in world music and ethnomusicology, programs over time, in conjunction with The Inspire Team: (L-R) Phillip Randall, Ceo Hope 5EBI’s digital service EBI World will a simulcast of their analog signal. 3SYN Media; Richard Hamwi, Production Assistant; offer a range of programs from cultures is especially keen to work closely with Stephen Wilkinson, Technical Operations Manager; Aaron Wright, Radio Operations Manager. Seated: around the globe. local schools to create new content for Kim Wilkinson, Inspire Digital Channel Manager. their digital radio broadcast. Sydney’s Muslim Community Radio station, 2MFM, is developing a new Digital radio offers a unique opportunity stream of content focused on recitations for community radio stations to explore RADIUS: from the Holy Qur’an, Islamic teaching, a multiplatform approach in the context modern Islamic music and live coverage of free to air broadcast. COMMUNITY from various Islamic events. DIGITAL RADIO CBAA General Manager, Kath Multilingual service 2OOO has built Letch says, “The CBAA has worked www.radius.org.au is a newly developed a new dedicated digital radio studio, towards the inclusion of community web space with information on which will be utilised to provide air broadcasters in the digital radio community digital radio services and time to new and emerging language framework since the mid 90’s. launch-related activities and events. and cultural groups as well as younger “It’s very satisfying to see The site also encourages visitors broadcasters via their digital service, metropolitan community services to engage with stations and the range 2000 Languages. The Sydney station commencing in this first stage of new digital services. expects listeners to take up the digital of digital radio. radio platform quickly as they seek new services in their specific language. “It offers stations the opportunity for program development and to Melbourne’s youth licensee 3SYN extend even further people’s is planning to use the digital radio access to participating in community broadcast to provide a space for media production.” more young broadcasters to have their voice heard.

www.cbaa.org.au/cbx 5 projectNEWS

THE CBAA MANAGES THREE PROJECTS ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY BROADCASTING SECTOR: Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) • Community Broadcasting Online Project (CBOnline) Digital Radio Project (DRP)

DIGITAL RADIO Philip’s plan for the Digital Radio for the Northern Territory in June, Project is to raise awareness of the Amrap has been beta-testing AirNet community broadcasting sector’s digital with FBi Radio 94.5 Sydney, 3RRR presence to the broader public, provide Melbourne and Radio Adelaide. opportunities new programming and AirNet provides community radio increase listenership and listener programs with a unique webpage, support for stations and the sector. allowing your broadcasters to add CBONLINE program information, photos, videos and music playlists with ease. AirNet Following the collection of data from finds photos, videos and information to the Station Census in 2011, the CBOnline match the music that you can display Project will be in a better position to on your page. analyse what our sector needs in this ‘online’ world and what resources we It makes it easy to gather and display need to allocate in order to continue existing internet content to attract online development over time. listeners to your site and instantly logs DIGITAL RADIO PROJECT music for APRA without you needing Suggestions that CBOnline could to find song or album codes. The Digital Radio Project is pleased become a ‘communications & to welcome Philip Shine as the new contact hub’ have prompted initial To see how AirNet could work for your Project Manager. investigations into what services it station, check out the program pages for FBi’s weekday Arvo programs at Philip has significant experience in should provide. www.fbiradio.com. community broadcasting. From his Should it be a sector-wide database early days as a volunteer at Eastside that holds all information for sector If your station would like to get AirNet Radio in 1988, he progressed from ‘jack bodies and stations alike, a tool that visit the ‘AirNet’ tab at www.amrap.org of all trades’ to Program Manager and stations could use daily? then Station Manager by the time he left in 2000. Should the www.cbonline.org.au web presence become an audio portal like Most recently, he was Station Manager the Public Radio Exchange (www.prx. of Sydney’s 2SER and previously served org) in America and be a central point as a Director on the CBAA Board and to all the great content we already also Vice President Radio. produce? Do stations need web site Of his new appointment, Philip says, templates built? “After nearly 20 years in management We welcome your ideas and comments. roles in the sector, wearing many hats, Email [email protected]. I had a desire to undertake a project www.cbonline.org.au with a specific focus. “The opportunity to participate in the AMRAP development of digital broadcasting In between holding our first Music for and the development of cross-platform Radio Summit for South Australia in content is an exciting challenge.” February and organising our next one

6 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011

ACROSSsector THE THE COMMUNITY BROADCASTING SECTOR IS MADE UP OF THE FOLLOWING PEAK REPRESENTATIVE BODIES: Australian Indigenous Communications Association (AICA) • Australia Community Television Alliance (ACTA) Christian Media Australia (CMA) • Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcaster’s Council (NEMBC) • Radio for the Print Handicapped Australia (RPH) In addition, the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) is the sector’s funding body.

COMMUNITY BROADCASTING RPH AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION Radio for the deaf? Well, not quite. INDIGENOUS We’re pleased to have received a huge But for recipients of Cochlear implants, COMMUNICATIONS response to our first round of quarterly Australia’s RPH (Radio for the Print ASSOCIATION Training Delivery grants. These grants Handicapped) network of radio reading AICA was reviewed by three Federal now allow for more flexibility, both in services plays a big part in getting used Government departments late last year. how to apply and the type of training to their new world of sound. The Review assessed the efficiency and that can be funded. appropriateness of Government funding Recipients are taught how to listen with for new Indigenous Programs. You can now apply for funding to deliver the implant and understand speech. accredited or unaccredited ‘Pathways’ An integral part of the rehabilitation It is expected that the findings will training in broadcast & media skills, therapy process is reading aloud as recommend AICA ‘tighten up’ the management & leadership skills or they follow the written text . budget. However, AICA remains for a subsidy to complete a trainer optimistic of the possibilities to continue Recipients are advised to tune in to their training course. training and broadcasting Indigenous local RPH station as newspapers are Australians as a means to promote The option to partner with the read and follow along with their own social inclusion. Registered Training Organisation of newspaper at home. It provides them your choice is also still available, but with a greater level of independence In 2011, AICA will advocate for the sector-based Registered Training and self reliance and speeds up the full realisation of Australia’s 2009 Organisations can now also apply on adjustment process. ratification and international promises your behalf. of the United Nation’s Declaration on News readings on RPH services are the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. To find out more about the courses unedited. Each article is read in full by and resources that are available, trained RPH broadcasters, making it www.aicainc.org.au visit the new Community Media easy to follow along, much like many Training Organisation (CMTO) website: ESL (English as a Second Language) www.cmto.org.au. students are encouraged to do. www.cbf.com.au www.rph.org.au

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www.cbaa.org.au/cbx 7 THE CENSUS PROVIDES AN ACCURATE SNAPSHOT OF THE SECTOR...

PROVIDING A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF OUR POSITION WITH THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE

By > Alexis Roitman Policy & Campaigns READY... Manager SET... CBX spoke to Stephen Hahn, CBOnline Manager to find out about the 2011 GO! Station Census. Get your station ready for the Every two years, the CBOnline Project Census by locating the following conducts the Community Broadcasting information: Station Census (previously called the • Most recent financial report CBD Survey), collecting operational data about programming, finances, • Previous program grids staffing, volunteers, subscribers, • Member/Subscriber numbers sponsorship, training and technology. • Volunteer numbers (by gender How does the Community and role) Broadcasting Census differ allocation, strategic planning and the • A “mud map” of your from the CBD Survey? growth and development of the sector. transmission and studio infrastructure (a quick audit A survey differs from a census in that Who from the sector is getting of what equipment your main a census attempts to collect data involved in the Census? studio uses and how you connect from the entire available population, Why should stations take part? to your transmission site) while a survey works with a sample. All stations with a permanent licence • Screen shots of your station’s Previously we relied on weightings of a will be asked to complete the Census. web page. sample group to reflect the community As an added inducement, participating broadcasting sector. In 2011, we will stations are eligible for a small be asking all community stations to incentive payment. participate in the Census in order to The CBOnline Project will continue build an accurate picture of the state The information gathered is both to work alongside all the sector bodies of our sector. critical to, and highly valued by, the - RPH, AICA, CMA, NEMBC and CBAA - sector, providing a deep understanding to make this process as smooth Why conduct the Community of our position within the Australian as possible. Broadcasting Census? What value media landscape. does it have for the sector? We’ll be liaising with these bodies, as Where can people go for more info? well as working closely with McNair, to The Census provides an accurate keep all stations in the sector informed. snapshot of the sector. This information For the first time we will be utilising the is vital to providing a full understanding services of McNair Ingenuity Research Community stations should of the sector. The results will aid to conduct the Census. The Census will email [email protected] lobbying and advocacy, resource go into the field in May 2011. with any questions.

8 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 All community broadcasters should take great pride in what you achieve: providing access, diversity, localism and innovation which makes a difference to the lives of many Australians. PROVIDING A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF OUR POSITION WITH THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE

By > Senator The Hon. Technological innovations are rapidly television station, WestTV in Perth, has Stephen Conroy leading to a converged media age; the also begun broadcasting, in digital only. progression to digital will accelerate Minister for Broadband, In addition to this funding, in this Communications & the Digital this transformation. Economy financial year the Government will The Gillard Government is ensuring continue to provide access to spectrum Over the years, community that community broadcasters will not free of charge, including spectrum broadcasting has been an extremely be left behind. for the introduction of digital radio effective mechanism for providing and digital television by community information and services to local We have committed almost $13.5 broadcasters. communities and minority groups million over four years towards the that would be otherwise unavailable establishment of community digital The Government is aware of the in free-to-air broadcasting. radio broadcasting infrastructure in the constrained financial circumstances mainland state capitals, encompassing in which many community broadcasters In the past 15 years, the way 36 stations. operate and will continue to liaise with people obtain information, enjoy the community broadcasting sector entertainment, stay in touch, acquire Community digital radio services have with respect to its ongoing future goods and services, work, learn, travel already commenced in these capitals funding needs. and manage their time has undergone and planning is underway for a formal unprecedented change. launch of community digital radio The community broadcasting sector At the heart of this change have been services in April/May 2011. is a unique community platform. The Gillard Government is committed developments in communications and The community television sector to ensuring adequate funding to the media technologies and the internet. is also making the switch to digital. community broadcasting sector to We have allocated funding of $2.6 All of these technologies provide enable it to continue to deliver services million to help the community television services which underpin our society to all Australians. – enabling communication between sector meet the costs of commencing individuals and groups and providing digital services. The Gillard Government extends its congratulations to the community content that informs, educates and Radio frequency spectrum has broadcasting sector on the occasion entertains citizens and consumers. been temporarily allocated to the of the launch of digital services to community broadcasting sector to The development of digital mainland metro stations. broadcasting, data compression and allow community television operators internet-based technologies, coupled Channel 31 in Adelaide, QCTV in All community broadcasters should with improved infrastructure capability, Brisbane, C31 in Melbourne and TVS take great pride in what you achieve: means that services that were in Sydney to simulcast their services providing access, diversity, localism previously constrained to one delivery in both analog and digital until the and innovation which makes a channel can now be delivered over switchover to digital-only television in difference to the lives of many many different platforms. those cities in 2013. A new community Australians.

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BOOK NOW! openprogram.aftrs.edu.au/radio 1300 065 281 www.cbaa.org.au 11 A LOCAL COMMUNITY BROADCASTING & LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN AUSTRALIA FOCUS Councillor Rose Hodge, who was Mayor By > Nell Greco IN TIME OF NEED at the time recalls, “As Mayor, every In NSW, Byron Shire Council runs fortnight Pulse would get me in to talk CBX Editor safety and information campaigns about local government news. There on community radio station, Bay FM. Raising local issues and hearing was talk that Pulse could lose its Mayor Jan Barham says that with local voices are at the heart of both frequency to the ABC. emergency standards higher than community broadcasting and local before, the link with local broadcasters “I had no hesitation whatsoever in government in Australia. is more important than ever. writing a letter lobbying the Federal On a broad and geographically diverse Government in support of the station. “Community broadcasting provides continent, community-building is a It was privilege to help them.” a critical point of contact with the primary role for Australia’s 560 local community, enabling localised disaster councils. For the same reason, 350 management,” she says. “We worked TRULY LOCAL CONTENT community radio stations nationwide closely with Bay FM during the Y2K share important local news and For community broadcasters, ‘local scare and acted as guarantor for a loan maintain local languages. content’ means news, views and voices Bay FM took out to buy a generator for from the local community itself. As With almost one community broadcaster emergency broadcasting. 30 per cent of CBAA member stations for every two local councils around “Working with our community station, report that they are the only source Australia, it makes perfect sense for we can tell people what’s happening of local content for their communities, local councils to work with community in their street, in their suburb. It’s a the sector plays an important role in broadcasters on campaigns, disaster crucial link.” providing local news. management and local election issues. In turn, community stations look to In 2007 Pulse FM, the community Mayor of West Tamar and President councils for infrastructure support, broadcaster with the largest reach in of the Local Government Authorities The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government. joint community events and even Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire, was nearly of Tasmania, Barry Easther says, Head to www.alga.asn.au/about for more information about connecting with your local council. on-air talent. nudged off-air. “It’s a great idea for community radio

12 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 “Community stations hone in on the local community details and policies that are

important to people’s lives.” Byron SC Mayor Jan Barham

to make contact with their local council assessments on-air and broadcasts Bush Broadcasting Association because there’s a lot of information Question Time with local candidates (TEABBA), which provides support that otherwise doesn’t get out to before elections. in the form of technical assistance and filler programs. the community.” As Mayor Jan Barham says, Local issues are also at the heart of “Community stations hone in on the “The Council has no expertise in local government. The Surf Coast’s Cr local community details and policies broadcasting,” says Gardner. Hodge vouches that community radio that are important to people’s lives.” “So we turn to TEAABA for a range is an important avenue through which of things, including training our local government shares information FOSTERING LOCAL Indigenous broadcasters.” and discusses controversial issues. COMMUNITIES Over the past year Melbourne’s PBS “Talking to Pulse FM is a fabulous way Community broadcasting is such FM has organised the Rock-a-Bye to communicate with our shire,” she a central link in local communities Baby Music Sessions, where ‘Noise says. “It’s a chance to get information that some remote councils set up a is welcomed, crawling is encouraged across to people, for them to feel service themselves. At the Top End, in and dancing is expected!’ comfortable talking to us and getting in Jabiru, the West Arnhem Shire Council General Manager Adrian Basso says, touch with local government. You don’t receives Federal Government funding “Rock-a-Bye Baby is a way for young get that from print media.” to broadcast to its diverse constituents. parents to congregate and listen to ‘real As Mayor of the Bass Coast Shire, Cr The Shire’s Director of Corporate & music’. PBS partners up with the City Veronica Dowman is part of the on-air Community Services, Marc Gardner, of Yarra for help with promotion and talent at her local community station says the service was born three years securing Fitzroy Town Hall as the venue.” 3MFM, in Victoria’s South Gippsland. ago of a need for local content. Says CBAA General Manager, FOCUS Each week Cr Dowman presents “Our shire is unique because each Kath Letch, “Community broadcasters a five minute sponsored segment, community has a local indigenous value their relationships with local The Mayoral Report, where she language. We need to produce councils right around Australia. We look engages with her electorate directly programs ‘in language’ to reach people forward to new and ongoing initiatives by interviewing a member of the on important issues like cyclone with council staff and elected officials community. preparedness and community safety, to the benefit of our communities.” but also with culturally relevant music Community stations also come into Photos: (L-R) Byron SC Mayor Jan Barham (Green), their own during local government and stories.” Bay FM President Ros Elliott, State MP for Ballina, Don Page (National). Pulse FM presenters Brett elections. Bay FM in Byron Bay The service has been successful with Ritchie & James Vernon with Geelong Mayor conducts detailed candidate the assistance of the Top End Aboriginal John Mitchell.

The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government. Head to www.alga.asn.au/about for more information about connecting with your local council.

www.cbaa.org.au/cbx 13 14 The Quarterly Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 Michael Kirby launches the CBAA Dispute Resolution Initiative

“Sometimes you need a bridge and By > Alexis Roitman that’s where a mediator can be helpful. Policy & Campaigns Manager “The objective of mediation is not to impose a decision on the parties involved in the dispute. Rather it finds As a new member services initiative, within the parties a resolution that they the CBAA now offers member stations can both live with.” dispute resolution assistance. As a national professional organisation, The CBAA has partnered with the IAMA members are located around Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia, making for a good fit with of Australia (IAMA) to launch the the many CBAA members in rural and Community Broadcasting Dispute regional parts of the country. Resolution Initiative, helping CBAA members to resolve internal The Initiative offers member stations station disputes. an independent, timely service. IAMA’s Paul Gibson says, “We will apply a IAMA Immediate Past President, mediation resource within days of the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG and the dispute forming, allowing issues CBAA President, Adrian Basso signed to be settled much more quickly. the Initiative’s Memorandum It’s much less stressful when disputes of Understanding at a function held them will change. Knowing that there is are handled promptly.” at IAMA’s NSW Chapter in Sydney a mechanism for dispute resolution will in some ways make things better for in late February. The aim of the Initiative is to give Board members, staff and volunteers. stations access to professional The Initiative offers three hours of pro There’s a pathway if something dispute resolution assistance bono mediation services conducted happens, so hopefully tensions will and potentially heighten stations’ by an impartial, IAMA-accredited dissipate more quickly.” awareness of how disputes arise mediator. The services are requested and how they can be managed. as part of a station’s formal Grievance CBAA members can access this service by completing the Request Process and facilitated by the CBAA. It is hoped that access to IAMA for Mediation Form online mediation support will mean that “The Community Broadcasting sector (cbaa.org.au/Dispute_Resolution) stations will suffer less disruption in tends to be made up of people who and submitting it with the CBAA. dealing with disputes and experience feel passionately about issues,” says less prolonged disputes. Justice Kirby. “To be human is to have an argument every now and again, “Bust-ups will still happen in stations,” LISTEN TO CRN’S RADIO ATTICUS but arguments can become corrosive says CBAA President Adrian Basso. COVERAGE OF THE LAUNCH AT to individuals and organisations. “But I think the way a station handles

RADIOATTICUS.COM (3 MARCH 2011).

www.cbaa.org.au 15 does social media

CORAL COAST AS THE TECHNOLOGY THAT CONNECTS US CONTINUES TO EVOLVE, RADIO 94.7FM SO TOO DO BENEFITS COMMUNITY BROADCASTERS CAN YIELD FROM Using Facebook came unexpectedly THESE ADVANCES. SO HOW ARE STATIONS USING SOCIAL NETWORKING? for Coral Coast Community Radio 94.7FM in Bundaberg. When the station’s website received a face- lift, the most efficient way to Fresh FM promote it was to head to Facebook.

Building the Smartphone App is Fresh FM’s innovative The Facebook page continues to way of providing more brand associations and distribute ‘instant updates’ to online connections with their youth audience in Adelaide. listeners, announcing outside broadcasts and generating station Users can Live Stream Fresh FM from their mobile exposure through cross promotion and also view the name and details of the ‘Currently from presenters, also on Facebook. Playing’ track and see artist images. It’s also been the largest contributor Acting Station Manager, Domenic Cutufia says that a to what Barnett says is an undeniable separate icon on the user’s mobile makes Fresh FM growth in the station’s listener base stand out from other stations and “makes Fresh FM amongst Generation X and Y. more widely recognised. We’re regarded as more than just a radio station.” www.fresh927.com.au or you can also find FreshFM SYN Melbourne’s SYN has created on Facebook. Search ‘Fresh 92.7’ and ‘Like’. a website that acts like a social networking platform to cater for their audience, who are mostly young people who thrive on social tune FM media and networking. Listeners aged between 12 and 25 When Armidale’s TuneFM turned 40, they couldn’t have had the party they did years can interact with program without the help of social networking. “We had a fantastic turnout of past and presenters via their program pages. present volunteers to our 40th Birthday celebrations because we were able to They also interact with SYN by use social networking to contact such a large cross-section of past guests,” contributing their own video content says Assistant Station Manager Emily Blackburn. via SYN’s YouTube Channel.

www.syn.org.au or visit Facebook and other social networking sites have become extremely important to www.youtube.com/user/synmedia TuneFM because they keep marketing costs low and are a very quick method of communicating information to a lot of people – when they don’t have their radio switched on! www.tunefm.net or search Tune! FM 106.9 in Facebook and ‘Like’.

The CBAA is also networking online! You can keep up to date on all CBAA happenings with instant updates on Facebook: CBX and on Twitter @_CBX_

CBX Magazine is running a photo competition for CBAA member stations. CAPTURE The theme of the next CBX is ‘Music’. To win, all you have to do is submit an original photograph of your station’s participation in a live music gig or THE MOMENT! music event. It can be a band shot, a live music image or even a ‘back stage’ CBX PHOTO shot of a performance. It’s a great way to show how your station rocks. PRIZE: Your photograph seen by thousands of readers in print and online! COMPETITION COMPETITION CLOSES: Friday 1 July 2011. SPECS: Photos to be supplied as high resolution (300 DPI) JPEGs or PDFs. ENQUIRIES? Email [email protected] 16 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 6RPH volunteers station

station 3OCR volunteers 3OCR

On the B66 Form (licence renewal form) Our community of interest is well By > Alexis Roitman I tried to cover everything, no matter understood because the peak body, Policy & Campaigns Manager how small or insignificant. It’s essential RPH Australia, commissions market to go back through the station’s records research. The station financials are also because they should have all the pretty easy to explain, as they come Every five years, Community information to complete the B66. straight out of MYOB. Radio stations must renew their From previous renewal applications broadcasting licence with the Our renewal package consisted of we’ve learned that good record-keeping Australian Communications and 40 pages of responses and 50 pages is essential, otherwise you reinvent Media Authority (ACMA). of supporting documents. I thought we had covered everything, but we the wheel every time you renew your CBX spoke to Colac’s 3OCR and received a letter from ACMA requiring licence. Proper records also allow timely Perth’s 6RPH, which have recently clarification of a further 12 points. responses to ACMA enquiries. renewed their licences, and discovered You should expect further questions two very different perspectives on the The reporting and documentation from the ACMA after lodging the renewal renewal process. ACMA requires can seem over- whelming. But what I found really application – it’s normal. In the past Lila Hester moving were the letters we received we’ve had to give the ACMA a written Secretary & Executive from the local community in support undertaking. The ACMA staff talked us Committee Member of our licence renewal. These letters through what that meant and what our 3OCR 98.3/88.7 FM, Colac (VIC) are the reason we keep doing what responsibilities were. www.ocrfm.org.au we do at OCR. We don’t take ACMA enquiries personally. The ACMA staff are doing At 3OCR the licence renewal was a Peter Luckett nightmare. As we had few records, their job and they’re helpful and happy General Manager to explain. my job was to find information through 990 6RPH Information Radio, station sign-in books, newspaper 990AM, Perth (WA) The RPH stations also share ‘best articles and minutes of meetings. I had www.inforadio.com.au practice’ examples of renewal only been at the station a few months. applications among themselves. The licence renewal process at It’s good professional development You can’t fill in a licence application on 6RPH is never very difficult. for the managers and staff. your own. You need the support and We provide exactly the information information of all the presenters and the B66 Form asks for. Our answers My advice? Read the ACMA Guidelines sub-committees. As part of the licence on the B66 Form are short, to the point before you begin the licence renewal renewal, we also asked everyone we and concise. process. had worked with during the year to write a letter of support.

THE ACMA RECENTLY ISSUED A NEW VERSION OF THE B66 LICENCE RENEWAL FORM. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE GUIDELINES GO TO WWW.ACMA.GOV.AU.

www.cbaa.org.au/cbx 17 18 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 planet of the apps

According to a recent Nielsen report, around half of Australians online who are online also use mobile internet devices, such as Smartphones. broadcasting Smartphones, like the BlackBerry, iPhone and a suite platforms of Android enabled phones, allow audio to be streamed using software applications known

By > Stephen Hahn website. At present, copyright laws and as Apps, which are written associated licensing fees make the specifically for the device. CBOnline Manager podcasting of music content costly. Smartphones mean that people The CBAA can help you with getting your can gain web access anywhere, Radio is the original wireless. podcasts out into the world via C pod. at any time. Over 70 per cent In days not so long ago it was all www.cpod.org.au. of online Australians accessed pretty straightforward. audio or video via a mobile device RADIO ON DEMAND: Allows listeners in 2010 and 30 per cent of them to search by program, genre and We made radio and broadcast it using do so weekly. transmission infrastructure for reception broadcast time to find desired on radio receivers. programming for streaming directly Online access and wireless to a computer. Cannot be downloaded connectivity will continue to grow, The last few years have seen rapid and transferred to other devices. so it’s important for community changes in technology and major shifts in broadcasters to be thinking about REALLY SIMPLE SYNDICATION (RSS the way our audiences consume media. how our sector delivers radio FEED): A delivery system that delivers Now we have a world of wireless across these devices. podcasts to your PC as they are newly connectivity and we can deliver the radio released on a website. Requires There are already several generic we make in a number of ‘wireless’ ways. subscription to that podcast or RSS feed. radio player apps available and PODCASTING: A series of digital media some networks/stations have WEB STREAMING: A live web simulcast files (audio or video) that are released built their own. of your broadcast transmission, episodically and often downloaded accessed via your station’s website It is also possible to have an through web syndication, also known and played out through your computer m.site (i.e. ‘mobile’site) of your as an RSS Feed (see below). via an inbuilt stream player (like station’s current website created A great way to spread your spoken word WinAmp, iTunes or Windows Media specifically for these devices. Player). Also called net streaming or net content, as they are easily transferred M.sites optimise mobile audio streaming. to a portable audio device (like an MP3 viewing of a station’s website player) and can also be embedded in Still not sure or want to know more? by simplifying and reducing the web pages for listening online via a Email [email protected]. content displayed on the device, while still allowing for features Copyright, licensing and fees vary between each delivery platform. such as live streaming and To find out the details, visit ACMA at www.acma.gov.au or phone 1300 850 115. content downloads.

www.cbaa.org.au/cbx 19 I was very surprised at the passion of the members and decided to work with them for a short time... Nine years later I’m still with them.

the members and decided to work with in 1956, I moved to Sydney where there By > Phillip Salinger them for a short time until we went on was a job waiting for me at Channel 9. Volunteer Technical Producer air. Nine years later I’m still with them. Capital 101.7FM/6SEN, Perth I worked on a number of shows, such as 6SEN Capital Community Radio The Mickey Mouse Club and Bandstand Semi-retirement for Phil Salinger broadcast for seven years on 90.5FM with Brian Henderson, but in 1959 sparked a window of opportunity for and shared its frequency with a sports I moved back to Perth to help Channel his mates at 6SEN – it meant he was station, but in 2009 we applied for a 7 establish their new studios and ‘available’ to help get their station up change in frequency and were granted transmitters. and running. a licence on 101.7FM. Now we had our own frequency, it was time to upgrade My life in the media has been exciting, I was sitting, relaxing with a nice cold our old ‘hand me downs’ and apply for challenging and very enjoyable. I’ve beer enjoying my semi-retirement in new equipment. been associated with many wonderful 2002, when the telephone rang. people and have been in the position In mid-2009 I became the Equipment The voice I heard was a blast from the to help young, up-and-coming Upgrade Project Manager and I had past: my old friend Jim Atkinson with entertainers move on to good careers my sights set on installing all new in the entertainment business. Looking whom I had worked at Channel 7 in digital equipment. Perth in the 1960s, where I worked as back, I feel pleased that I was there to help them when they needed it. an Engineer and Technical Director. First we had to acquire a great deal of money and after securing a grant of My role in community radio has also Jim and a few other seniors with media over $130,000 from Lotterywest, we been very gratifying. Being involved experience had been given a Temporary were able to purchase the latest Axia with so many volunteers who work Community Broadcasting Licence to Digital Studio Equipment. Within twelve together with a willing cooperative spirit cater for Perth’s seniors and they were months we had re-built the studios, brings its rewards; serving a particular looking for technical people to help installed the new equipment and moved and worthwhile community interest. establish the new station. back onto the airwaves. www.capitalcommunityradio.com After attending a station meeting, I started in radio in Perth when I was 17 I was very surprised at the passion of but when television came to Australia

20 The Triennial Magazine of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia • April 2011 THE CBAA SATELLITE ADVISORY SECTOR PROJECTS The Community Broadcasting COMMITTEE On behalf of the sector, Association of Australia Chair the CBAA manages three is the national peak body John MacInnes; 3WAY sector-wide projects: for community broadcasters, SAC Members Amrap, CBOnline and the providing leadership, Rob Meaton; 2BOB Digital Radio Project. advocacy and support Ken Westerman; 2TRR for our members and Geoff Pegler; 5EFM SECTOR PROJECTS the sector as a whole. GGAC Representative CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE Bob Rau; 3NOW (SPCC) CBAA membership Terry Mather (alternate); 7THE Chair/ CBAA President A full list of the CBA Adrian Basso membership can be found TECHNICAL CBAA General Manager at www.cbaa.org.au SUB - COMMITTEE Kath Letch TSC Chair RPH Australia Chair CBAA BOARD Janet Cook; Peter Luckett OF DIRECTORS Eastern FM 98.1 AICA President President TSC members Jim Remedio Adrian Basso; PBS John Maizels; 2NSB NEMBC President Vice President Radio Heidi Tobin; KLFM Victor Marillanca JP John MacInnes; 3WAY Michael Tobin; KLFM CMA CEO Board Directors David Turrell CBAA STAFF Phillip Randall; General Manager Observers: HOPE 103.2 Kath Letch CBF Executive Director Danae Gibson; Ian Stanistreet Policy & Campaigns Manager 3JOY DBCDE Alexis Roitman Georgia Webster; Judy Hiscox Operations Manager SYN FM Alexandra Sabastian DIGITAL RADIO Jonathan Brown; IT Coordinator CONSULTATIVE Radio Adelaide Andrew Devenish-Meares COMMITTEE (DRCC) Peter Rohweder; Finance Coordinator Chair 4EB Robin Carter David Melzer Women’s Representative Administration Assistant Sydney Rep/ 2CBA Leeni Fabri; Phillip Randall Danny Chifley 3JOY Melbourne Rep/ 3MBS CRN Technical Coordinator Youth Representative Cameron Paine Ben Feggans Bradley Duence; Brisbane Rep/ 4EB Edge Radio Satellite Operations Peter Rohweder Coordinator Martin Walters Adelaide Rep/ 5RPH FINANCE STANDING Hans Reimer COMMITTEE Communications Coordinator Perth Rep / 6RPH Nell Greco President Peter Luckett Adrian Basso; Executive Assistant CBAA 3PBS Tracey Savage General Manager Finance Director Technical Consultant Kath Letch Phillip Randall; David Sice Hope 103.2 Project Manager Philip Shine General Manager Kath Letch; Technical Consultant CBAA David Sice Project Assistant YOUTH ENGAGEMENT Alex White COMMITTEE Observers: Chair Ian Stanistreet Jonathan Brown; CBF Executive Director Radio Adelaide YEC Members CBAA SECTOR Georgia Webster; PROJECTS STAFF CBAA Board & SYN AMRAP Bradley Duence; Project Manager Edge Radio Chris Johnson Communications Nik Tripp; & CD Mailout Coordinator 3RRR Brigitte Dagg Rubina Carlson; Distribution Coordinator 5EBI Brooke Olsen IT Coordinator Ben Briedis CBONLINE Project Manager Stephen Hahn DIGITAL RADIO PROJECT Project Manager Philip Shine Project Assistant Alex White Technical Consultant David Sice