ANNUAL REVIEW 2017/18

1 The CBAA champions community radio by building station capability and creating a healthy environment for the sector to thrive. The CBAA works to build a healthy environment in Founded in 1974, which community the Community broadcasting can Broadcasting thrive by nurturing a Association of supportive political Our strategic Australia (CBAA) is a environment, priorities cultural organisation, influencing public The CBAA’s work falls into charity and the policy through three key areas: national peak body leadership and 1. Supportive Environment research, and – building a healthy for community environment in which broadcasting developing and community broadcasting licensees. The maintaining internal can thrive. CBAA is the go- and external sector 2. Capability and to destination for relationships and Sustainability of Stations – growing the capability advice, knowledge networks. and sustainability of and services for stations. the community 3. CBAA Viability and broadcasting sector. Growth – strengthening In particular, the the CBAA’s capacity to CBAA proactively provide leadership. works with influential Our efforts in each of The CBAA helps to political stakeholders these areas contribute to helping achieve the sector’s grow the capability to strengthen aspiration that community and sustainability knowledge, broadcasting is recognised of stations by understanding as excellent, innovative, sustainable, accessible, providing information and support of trusted and diverse, and and resources the community a key pillar in Australian on community broadcasting sector broadcasting that reflects and contributes to our open broadcasting matters and to pursue policy society, strong democracy such as financial matters that may and vibrant cultures. management, affect stations. In compliance, online this role, the CBAA and broadcast also leads research infrastructure, content for community and programming, broadcasting. station management and community engagement.

1 1 President & Chief Executive Officer’s Report “CBAA membership is critical in providing all information and resources needed for a successful community radio station.” – CBAA Member in 2017 Member Survey

We are pleased to present 88% of permanently licensed sector. Members indicated that the Community Broadcasting community broadcasters. they are most satisfied with the Association of Australia’s (CBAA) CBAA’s work in recognising The CBAA’s staff is in regular annual review and share some and celebrating community contact with stations and other highlights from the 2017/18 year. broadcasting, providing advice, sector stakeholders and always information and resources, and First and foremost, it is an looking for opportunities to influencing public policy. A Net exciting time to be in community improve our services to them and Promoter Score of 56 indicated radio – not least due to record the sector as a whole. We ask for that our members are very happy breaking national listening feedback in an annual member to recommend the CBAA to audience of 5.7 million listeners survey and 2017 results reflect others. per week. 29% of people aged the efforts the CBAA has made 15 years and over listen to the to be the ‘go-to’ organisation We also listen to stations sharing 450+ community radio services representing the interests of their challenges – on the phone, broadcasting local information the community broadcasting via email, face to face at station and news shared by local voices, as well as specialist programming and lots of Australian music. In 2017/18, the CBAA continued to champion community radio through its work in three key areas – building station capability and sustainability, nurturing a supportive community broadcasting environment and strengthening the CBAA’s capacity to provide sector leadership. In doing so, we support, and are supported by, over 300 members, including new members West TV, Pines FM and 4RPH. We are proud to represent

2 2 “In last year’s review, we wrote that community broadcasting is more important than ever. The past 12 months have only served to strengthen that statement. visits and events, and through We’ve seen the most significant groups like the Community Broadcasting Sector Roundtable. media reforms in recent history From these, we look at how we can help overcome them. This and community radio is a strong year, this has included: • Bringing $12 million in extra and necessary platform for diverse government funding to the community radio sector and independent local voices in through our successful sector leadership efforts. Australian media.” This funding is in addition to $6 million brought in earlier in 2017 and is targeted to support community digital • Giving subscribing stations In last year’s review, we wrote radio, enhanced news and access to some of the sector’s that community broadcasting is streaming services, and best program content more important than ever. The enhanced training. through the Community past 12 months have only served • Providing information and Radio Network, including 118 to strengthen that statement. coordination to stations in regular programs and over 50 We’ve seen the most significant Canberra, Darwin and Hobart, specials. media reforms in recent history and community radio is a strong the first locations targeted for This year hasn’t been without and necessary platform for the roll out of DAB+ beyond the CBAA’s own challenges. In diverse and independent local the existing services in Sydney, late 2017 and early 2018, former voices in Australian media. Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth CBAA staff made a complaint We take this opportunity to and Brisbane. to the Community Broadcasting thank everyone involved in the Foundation and launched a public • Giving subscribing stations hundreds of stations around campaign criticising the CBAA’s access to listener data through Australia who recognises this management of its Australian our National Listener Survey and who strives to contribute Music Radio Airplay Project and Station Community to an inclusive, cohesive and (Amrap). What followed was Engagement Survey which diverse Australia, who pursues efforts by CBAA staff to ensure can be used in community democracy, access and equity, continuity of Amrap services, engagement, sponsorship who supports and develops local as well as participating in an sales and in the ACMA licence arts and music and who invites independent investigation into renewal process. with open arms those who want the concerns raised. The findings to join them in this great sector • Launching the Community were released in September 2018 we share. Radio Station Health Check, a and showed that the CBAA has free service to assist stations used Amrap grant funds in line We look forward to working in building best practice with agreements and the financial together again in 2018/19 and governance. and other reports to the CBF beyond. were accurate. This year, we’re • Providing access to hundreds Phillip Randall, President of resources in our online looking forward to continuing to Resource Library, which has making even stronger community Jon Bisset, seen a 70% growth in traffic radio’s role in the Australian Chief Executive Officer over the last year. music industry.

3 3 VISITS TO THE RESOURCE LIBRARY , UP 70% 30000+ SINCE LAST YEAR

THE CBAA’S NET Over 56 PROMOTER SCORE 1,500 first-time users had their 234 128 music added to Amrap’s AirIt hours of new NUMBER audio comes OF through the UP 10% Community AWARD Radio Network each week ENTRIES people registered for CBAA 1,729 webinars 5.7M % AUSTRALIANS LISTEN TO 1,400 88of permanently COMMUNITY RADIO EACH WEEK Instances of direct member licensed community radio broadcasters communications are CBAA members

126,634 % MUSIC FILES WERE 99.99 ORDERED FOR AIRPLAY increase in CBAA equity in the last five years UP 13% (restricted and unrestricted funds). 96% of CBAA Conference delegates reported having acquired new knowledge at the event

4

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: Build a healthy environment for the sector to thrive

5 Strategic Priority 1

Nurturing a supportive political environment

Planning Committee, ACMA of Communications. It provides a Digital Planning Technical Sub- constructive forum for technical Committee, Standards Australia and service planning, and Committee CT-002, Broadcasting legislative changes geared to the and Related Services, International regional extension of digital radio Telecommunications Union, services. Key Deliverable: Proactively Australian Radiocommunications Throughout 2017/18, the CBAA working with influential political Study Group 6, Communications provided information and stakeholders to strengthen Alliance, Broadcast Cabling coordination to stations in knowledge, understanding and Digital Equipment, ACMA Canberra, Darwin and Hobart to and support of community Spectrum Tune Ups and the support the expansion of digital broadcasting sector policies and Digital Technical Advisory radio to regional areas through programs Committee among others. its Digital Radio Project. This has In 2017/18, following a $6 million Key deliverable: Expanding the included participating in channel increase in funding in the 2016/17 footprint of digital community planning for these three areas financial year, $12 million in extra radio services in regional and the Gold Coast, extensive funding was made available to Australia preliminary planning to support the community radio sector the establishment of community The CBAA continues to play a due to the CBAA’s successful digital radio services in Canberra, central coordination role in the sector leadership efforts. This is Darwin and Hobart (including planning, project management, allocated to support community provisioning station equipment infrastructure and operations of digital radio, enhanced news and and multiplex, linkage and the national digital radio network streaming services, and enhanced platform infrastructure), as well as through the application of Federal training. The CBAA also made a assisting to establish Community Government funding to support number of submissions on issues Digital Representative Companies community digital radio. The such as Australian content on (DRCs). Community and CBAA represents the interests broadcast, radio and streaming commercial digital radio services of community broadcasters services; the Broadcasting in these areas are scheduled to on the industry-wide Digital Legislation Amendment (Foreign commence in March 2019. These Radio Planning Committee for Media Ownership and Community activities ensure the inclusion Regional Australia (DRPC). The Radio) Bill 2017; digital radio of community services in the Committee is chaired by the deeming; the Regional and Small expansion of digital radio beyond Australian Communications and Publishers Innovation Fund; the existing services in the mainland Media Authority (ACMA) and ACCC review; the Viewer Access capital cities. Satellite Television (VAST) service includes representatives from review; and Spectrum Framework the commercial radio sector, Broadcasting and Pricing. ABC, SBS and the Department The CBAA’s leadership in broadcasting and industry planning, legislation, licensing and regulation on behalf of the “The CBAA is the go-to for stations sector continues, including by working in broadcast industry … the backbone of government and planning forums to maintain relations for funding and profiling sector interests. The CBAA has maintained a presence across community radio at top government various industry planning groups, with the CBAA’s levels” – CBAA Member in 2017 Member Survey Technical Consultant sitting on the Regional Digital Radio

6 6 Strategic Priority 1

Influencing public policy through promotion, as well as offering The CBAA’s program of research leadership and community radio stations access with stations is a collection of research to tailored audience reports. In surveys which give insights into 2018, the survey recorded the station operations across all largest national listenership in its areas including programming, 10+ year history, reaching a peak technology, administration and of 5.7 million weekly listeners. community development. In 26 community radio stations 2017/18, the CBAA conducted the purchased Station Reports from Financial Health of Community Key Deliverable: Renew the the National Listener Survey. Radio survey and continued CBAA Research Strategy to plans to refine how research is better understand and meet The CBAA continued to offer the conducted with community radio the needs of the organisation, Station Community Engagement stations. stations and the sector Survey as an affordable audience research program for stations Key deliverable: Completing a In 2017/18, the CBAA continued of all sizes. It can be used to review of the Community Radio to conduct its National Listener complement the NLS or as a Survey (NLS), Station Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice standalone report which gives Engagement Survey (SCES) and station-specific insights from The CBAA’s review of the Codes research with community radio listeners. The data can be used of Practice is ongoing and stations. for programming and planning due for completion in 2018/19. The NLS is a survey of the at stations, as well as providing Consultation with the ACMA community radio listening habits important data to include in continued through 2017/18, as well of Australians, and the results ACMA licence renewals. In 2017/18, as planning for additional sector assist in sector planning and 60 stations used the service. and public consultation.

Developing and maintaining internal and external sector Key Deliverable: Convening the planning for future digital and relationships and Community Broadcasting Sector multiplatform sharing of sector Roundtable to identify and content). First Nations Media networks advance issues of mutual interest Australia (formerly IRCA) became the newest member of the The Sector Roundtable Roundtable, and the CBAA also convened twice (August 2017 held a sector networking event and April 2018) to identify alongside the Roundtable meeting actions on jointly held policy in Sydney in August 2017, giving and regulatory concerns and community broadcasters the develop and advance shared chance to come together and strategic priorities for the sector meet representatives from the (including the development of participating sector organisations, a shared regulatory framework, as well as CBAA staff.

7 7 Strategic Priority 1

Raising public, community and social awareness Community radio remains an interested in the community radio of community important stakeholder in the sector through the CBAA website Australian music industry with (478 news items published), CBX broadcasting both sectors benefiting from Magazine (November, April), social a close working relationship. media, enewsletters, email direct This includes the promotion of marketing and more. The CBAA Australian music and community also has staff available to answer radio through initiatives including queries from community radio pop-up playlists on Amrap’s sector stakeholders including Key Deliverable: The AirIt for national music award stations, media and others. The development and coordination of nominees; weekly Amrap Metro CBAA takes a targeted approach initiatives that raise awareness of and Amrap Regional Community to communications and is in community broadcasting Radio Charts that highlight the the process of developing more music most ordered for airplay by specific communications around The CBAA creates and promotes community broadcasters; a weekly resources and advocacy, as well content that demonstrates Amrap Chart Wrap on The Music as exploring live and on-demand the importance and power Network website; and a curated, video content. of community radio to its fortnightly editorial feature on the stakeholders, including the media. Tone Deaf music website which This includes sharing insights highlights Australian music chosen from the CBAA’s research into by community radio station Music the community radio sector and Directors across the country. its listenership, which helps to position the sector alongside The CBAA has also continued commercial radio and the ABC activities focused on and SBS, as the third pillar in strengthening relationships Australian radio broadcasting. between the music industry and community radio, including In 2017/18, as well as participating working with key music industry in all community broadcasting organisations to source and sector conferences, the CBAA had distribute music from under a presence at external conferences represented communities, as well and events including Audiocraft, as advancing plans to establish a BIGSOUND, Associations Forum CBAA Amrap Advisory group to National Conference, American assist in future planning for the Society of Association Executives CBAA’s Amrap services. (ASAE) and Australian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) Key deliverable: Acting as a Conferences and the Connecting central point for community Up Conference. The CBAA’s broadcasting, providing regular CEO also attended AMARC’s advice, information, resources Perspectives on Community and news and promoting Radio in Thailand and Global opportunities to stations and Context Conference in November other stakeholders 2017, where Thai community The CBAA shares advice, broadcasters and international information, resources, news organisations exchanged and opportunities with station knowledge and experience. staff and volunteers and others

8 8 Strategic Priority 1

Recognising and celebrating Award winners were announced community at the CBAA Community Radio broadcasting Awards Gala Dinner held on the Gold Coast QLD in November 2017. Winners were recognised across 20 categories, including the prestigious Tony Staley and Michael Law Awards. In 2017, these were awarded to 4MBS and Key deliverable: Strengthening Ian Stanistreet. the annual CBAA Awards In early 2018, a review of the to recognise and celebrate CBAA Awards was undertaken, excellence in community with new categories created to broadcasting reflect the changing landscape One of the key channels through of the community broadcasting which the CBAA facilitates sector. 33 categories were sector awareness and celebrates launched, with a judging rubric excellence is its annual awards developed and a new final program. In 2017, there were 234 stage of judging implemented entries, which were judged by a to facilitate consistent, robust group of 100+ judges consisting assessments of the entries. of sector stakeholders, industry leaders and other experts from the community broadcasting sector. Judges continued to provide very positive feedback about the calibre of entries.

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STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: Grow the capability and sustainability of stations

10 Strategic Priority 2

Cementing the CBAA as the go-to source for information, knowledge and advice. Key Deliverable: Proactively grew to include 153 new and providing advice and resources updated resources. The library to help stations achieve their attracted 30,000 unique page missions, including through a views in the year ending 30 June comprehensive and up to date 2018, more than a 70% increase resource hub, an information when compared to the previous line, a comprehensive webinar financial year. program and other relevant In 2017/18, the CBAA has initiatives. continued its webinar program In 2017/18, the CBAA continued with support from the Community to provide support to stations Media Training Organisation on all aspects of running and (CMTO). These free online being involved in a community workshops provide community radio station. This included in broadcasters access to guidance excess of 1,400 instances of direct and resources on a wide range “CBAA is OUR communication with members, of important topics, presented including proactive calls, phone by experts. There were 1,729 voice in the help-line support, webinars, registrations for the webinars, licence renewal reminders and the with 575 in attendance in sector. Without provision of other services and this time period and the best them we are resources (up from 1,300 in the attended sessions were focused previous year). on mastering audio, sponsorship sales and defamation. With this like a radio The CBAA continues to provide in mind, the CBAA is further stations with large turnovers and considering how live and on- station without a high number of paid staff with demand video content can curated Deep Dive workshops, a transmitter. support community broadcasters. aimed at addressing the unique You can talk, challenges and opportunities Key deliverable: Providing cost faced by these stations. In savings on stations’ core business but no-one addition to an extended session expenses. at November’s CBAA Conference, The CBAA continues to provide will hear your 12 community radio station members with value for money, managers met in Sydney in offering all CBAA members 50% voice.” May 2018 to network and build off compulsory PPCA licensing capacity, with a specific focus fees, up to 50% off insurance, – CBAA Member in 2017 on new media developments discounts to CBAA Conference, Member Survey including voice activation and station-specific research options, smartphone broadcast systems. the Community Radio Network In 2017/18, the Resource Library, (CRN), news services and more. which is a hub for community In November 2017, the CBAA broadcasters to find information announced a new agreement on community radio finance, with Broadcast Australia to governance, infrastructure, assist member stations with community engagement and technical solutions and broadcast content and programming, engineering support.

11 11 Strategic Priority 2

Spotlight

Spotlight On: Community Radio Station Health Check

Effective governance practice has been identified by the CBAA, the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF), the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and station managers as a key challenge for community broadcasting organisations. This initiative sets out to strengthen the governance, operational and community engagement capacity of community broadcasting stations.

In November 2017, the CBAA launched the Community Radio Station Health Check, an online self-assessment tool designed to help community radio leaders evaluate their station’s governance and plan for the future. The Check is designed to be completed by Find out more at www.cbaa.org.au/stationhealthcheck. a station’s board or management committee, and provides a report This service was produced with the assistance of the Community showing a station’s strengths, Broadcasting Foundation and Community Media Training Organisation. areas for improvement and action plan and resources to assist in building best practice governance. “…there is always a concern about “…the tool provides an excellent To date, over 40 stations have if the collective “WE” at the station used the Health Check and have template for addressing key are getting it right! This tool provided feedback including: issues, including culture ...which provides an independent opinion is often the overwhelming driver “Great insight into how to on how we are doing! Love it! Love establish best practice. It provides the fact that it gives hints for the of what happens, but can get the a simple tool that our board can newer members to get a handle least consideration in relation to use to prioritise initiatives.” on where the question is going!” ‘good practice’.”

12 12 Strategic Priority 2

Providing stations “Love your work! Have used this with programming service for over a decade now with and with content many different releases and artists. development guidance and From all of us here at Rhythm section, support. thank you guys so much, really appreciate all of your effort” – Ryan Van Gennip, musician, music producer, tour promoter and label publicist on the CBAA’s Amrap service Key Deliverable: • Curating the Community Radio Network to continue AMCOS), AFL Multicultural to add new music to AirIt. 126,634 offering high quality flagship Football Show (NEMBC), 45 RPM music files were ordered for program and a selection (The Pulse), Narratives (Bay FM), airplay by hundreds of community of the best station-driven Think Stories and Ideas (2SER) radio program makers and content and Three Chords and the Truth music library coordinators, a 13% (98.9 FM). In addition, the CBAA increase on the previous financial • Promoting and distributing broadcast and distributed over year. In the same period, close to contemporary Australian 50 specials via the CRN over 20,000 CD units across 274 artist music to stations through the the year, encompassing live titles were distributed to nearly Australian Music Radio Airplay broadcasts, one-offs, series, and 200 stations for potential airplay Project (Amrap) batches of drop-in segments. via the CD Mailout service. The CBAA continues to foster These included live broadcasts for The CBAA also continued to national content exchange the 10th Anniversary of Sorry Day through its Community Radio (98.9FM), Woodford Folk Festival enable stations to promote their Network (CRN), providing (4ZZZ), the Sydney Gay & Lesbian radio programs and Australian stations with access to high Mardi Gras (JOY), International music online through Amrap quality programs and content to Women’s Day (various; see Pages and Airplay Search, which supplement and enhance their breakout box on p. 15), the were further developed to allow local programming. Through CRN, National Indigenous Music Awards program makers to post airplay subscribing stations and program (NIMAs) and Barunga Festival logs to station websites and social makers can access content (TEABBA). media, find artist information and meeting a diverse range of needs, videos to share with community The CBAA promotes and including regular programs, radio audiences and inform distributes contemporary one-offs and specials, ranging artist representatives when their Australian music to stations from short segments through to Australian music is aired. This through its Australian Music Radio multi-hour programs, available was supported by training, both Airplay Project (Amrap) and live or on-demand. Approximately face to face, and via webinars. services including the CBAA’s 128 hours of new audio comes 116,000 Australian music airplays distribution portal AirIt and the through CRN each week. were posted and promoted on monthly CD Mailout. In 2017/18, community radio websites using In 2017/18, 118 regular programs more artists added their music to these services. and segments were made AirIt than in previous years and available to over 140 stations via more of that music was ordered The CBAA also creates the Amrap CRN each week including flagship by broadcasters for airplay. More Radio Program for distribution content National Radio News, than 1,500 new artists successfully through CRN, which highlights The Wire, and Good Morning applied to be distributed via selected additions to AirIt in a Country and new ongoing content AirIt and over 1,000 previously program packaged format for including Playback (with APRA approved artists also continued local station playout.

13 13 Strategic Priority 2

Spotlight

Spotlight On: CRN Program Service Voices

Service Voices brings stories, servicemen or women, or as ideas, and memories from the community volunteers or paid wider service community, hearing workers. It recognises that perspectives that might otherwise service is diverse, and often be lost in the passing of time. encompasses a strong narrative Produced at Radio Adelaide and that reveals much about human available around Australia through nature and human endeavour. the Community Radio Network, It seeks to bring stories to air the program is the initiative of that capture and reflect service three remarkable women: Fiona from a personal perspective, White, Helen Meyer, and Sharon building greater understanding of Mascall-Dare. service communities and, in turn, connecting listeners with stories A word from Sharon on the that matter to them”. driving force behind the program: “Service Voices is inspired by service in all its forms. It gives a voice to those who have served in a range of capacities, as fire- fighters or SES members, as

Spotlight On: 50+ Special Broadcasts on the CRN

to YES 94.9. It was part of the considered the significance of the station’s effort to give their Apology and took stock of the announcers free reign to share circumstances facing First Nations their stories and discuss how families today. the same-sex marriage postal Anatomy of an Album vote was affecting their lives. This series of short stories from A series of three specials the age of the postal survey was produced in partnership with edited and available to stations APRA AMCOS, which picked through the Community Radio apart great Australian albums with Network. Yes for Love looked at the songwriters and producers the different and varied layers of who brought them to life (Violent the same-sex marriage survey. Soho, Dan Sultan and Hermitude). It was made available to other The moderated discussions community radio stations wishing and Q&As explored how the Through its Community Radio to share such personal - but not songwriters and producers behind Network (CRN), the CBAA uncommon - stories with listeners. these iconic albums had set new broadcast and distributed over benchmarks for songwriting and Sorry Day 10th Anniversary 50 specials throughout the year production in the industry, also broadcasts encompassing live broadcasts, revealing the studio tips, stories one-offs, series, and batches of Produced by Let’s Talk, 98.9 FM/ and secrets that you might have drop-in segments. Some series NIRS. Ten years ago, then-Prime missed. and segments highlights Included: Minister Kevin Rudd made history with a National Apology to the Yes for Love Stolen Generations, presented at In late 2017, LGBTQI radio station Parliament House in Canberra. JOY 94.9, temporarily rebranded These two special broadcasts

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Strategic Priority 2

Spotlight

Spotlight On: Community radio celebrates International Women’s Day 2018

The CBAA gathered and shared a mix of live content and pre- packaged specials through its Community Radio Network (CRN) for International Women’s Day in May 2018. Stations and listeners the past few decades as women Through a were treated to an engaging #PressForProgress enter spaces to grill politicians selection of engaging personal lineup of music and dialogue and power figures? Is the and discussion pieces, 4ZZZ’s around the theme for 2018 - increasing presence of women special explored the current #PressforProgress. In addition to changing the news we see and scope of gender equality and the a selection of talks, specials and hear? Through interviews with progress that is being made or documentaries made especially high profile presenters past, needs to be made in a range of for the day, a live broadcast present and future, Annie looked fields. from the studios of PBS 106.7FM at the challenges – a blokey news brought listeners some rock n roll: 21st Century Women Recorded culture, audience reaction to the live for the 40th Sydney Gay & Fang It! Four amazing acts ‘girl’ voice – and the potential for a Lesbian Mardi Gras, in this special live from the studios of PBS equitable news culture. episode of 21st Century Women, 106.7FM for a celebration of epic How Do I Cope? The broadcaster Greta, Lindsey, Hannah & Daisy proportions – with the live sets of behind 4EB’s Women’s Profile, explored the fun side of feminism. Camp Cope, Hospital Pass, Adalita Maureen Mopio, presented this and Lazertits going out nationally. Wild Black Women From the documentary on mental health- studios of 98.9fm, Wild Black Women in the Bearpit Radio related issues amongst culturally Women brought highlights of the Adelaide’s Annie Hastwell and linguistically diverse (CALD) Black, Bold and Beautiful event examined the changing presence adolescents and non-English held in Brisbane for International of women in broadcast current speaking women, girls and Women’s Day. affairs. What’s happened over families.

15 15 Strategic Priority 2

Developing and providing infrastructure and solutions to scale. was a rolling program of upgrades collaboration between 3MBS across the digital radio network and 4MBS, and shared content and multiplex systems, and the networking and dynamic next stage is a capital equipment metadata systems for the Vision changeover for all metropolitan Australia Network. services. This will provide next Key Deliverable: Strengthening Key Deliverable: generation equipment to stations, and growing the CBAA national provide increased redundancy • Growing the Community conference to ensure it is a and integrate to multiplex system Radio Content Distribution professional and financial success and network upgrades. The CBAA Hub and the Digital Delivery has also continued to provide The CBAA’s flagship event is its Network so that it provides an programming and meta data national community broadcasting increasing variety of content support for all community digital conference, held in November in addition to the Community radio services. each year. The 2017 Conference Radio Network was held on the Gold Coast Metropolitan stations operating • The operation of services and QLD and was widely considered digital radio services contribute infrastructure to enable 36 a success. There were 279 financially to digital radio platform licensed metropolitan-wide registered delegates and 92% infrastructure, operations and community broadcasters to of respondents were satisfied transmission, through the annual provide digital radio services or extremely satisfied with their Digital Radio Service Fee. The conference experience. 96% The CBAA supports stations by Service Fee aims to build long- of attendees reported having providing content distribution term sustainability for the acquired new knowledge as networks and infrastructure operation and development of a result of the conference. In community digital radio services. through the Content Distribution 2017, the CBAA continued its Hub, Digital Delivery Network In 2017/18, metropolitan stations Conference Scholarship program, (DDN), and Digital Radio collaborated on a number enabling eight people from Project (DRP), supplemented of special broadcasts made underrepresented groups to by programming and content possible through digital radio attend. The CBAA also launched development support. In 2017/18, infrastructure. This included its first conference app, enabling in addition to maintaining these collaborating with CRN for the delegates to connect, share essential services, further work International Women’s Day news and updates, easily access was done in the expansion of broadcast (see breakout box on p. resources and provide immediate the existing Wide Area Network 15), a classical music programming feedback. (WAN) that will be increasingly central to the facilitation of national content exchange activity 96% of attendees reported having in the future. The CBAA’s Digital Radio Project acquired new knowledge as a result continues to provide platform infrastructure for digital radio of the 2017 CBAA Conference. transmission and service support and delivery for metropolitan community broadcasting licensees in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. In 2017/18, there

16 16 Strategic Priority 2

Strengthening the skills and knowledge of station communities. financial viability, including the sector organisations and other CBAA Grant-Matching scheme, stations. In 2017, the program grant updates in the fortnightly included plenary addresses by eNews, and webinars and Tania de Jong and Trevor Long, conference sessions focused workshops on everything from on building financial capacity. studio tech to content strategy Key Deliverable: Increasing The CBAA also successfully to managing interpersonal emphasis on building stations’ negotiated a new pro-bono conflict, and the CBAA’s Media capability by exploring the service for CBAA members Lab, presented in partnership development of new initiatives with Broadcast Australia. with CMTO. that: The Finance section of the Resource Library has grown • The CBAA continued its • Support stations to improve to include more than 31 sub- Deep Dive program designed their financial viability and topics. specifically for the sector’s sustainability largest stations (see p. 11 for • Preparations for digital radio more information). • Improve the transmission transmission in Canberra, quality of regional and/or Hobart and Darwin, which will • The CBAA continued rural stations provide improved reception its National Features & • Enable stations to promote and service reach for many of Documentary Series in their radio programs and the community radio services partnership with the CMTO Australian music through a in these areas. in 2017, which saw emerging suite of online services • Reinvigorating stations’ online producers from eight stations selected for training in the • Facilitate connections and presence through the CBAA’s creation of a half-hour radio knowledge sharing through a custom community radio documentary. Content ranged program of localised and/or website and hosting platform special interest events, forums Radio Website Services from Post-Traumatic Stress and multi-platform initiatives Premium. 36 stations have Disorder (PTSD) treatment for subscribed to the service to military veterans to alternative • Encourage collaboration date. This year, the CBAA schooling, personal stories on between stations strengthened site security and Indigenous identity, to 2017 • Encourage storytelling by online fundraising capacity. The winner, Kaarina Lindell’s How CBAA has received positive new and emerging producers Digital Changed Music, which feedback from stations, and around Australia and assist looked at how the ways we the service has been adopted them to forge links with access and listen to music has by a mix of station types stations changed remarkably since the including regional, metro, sub- pre-digital era and how this The CBAA has undertaken a metro, Indigenous, fine music impacts musicians. number of initiatives this year to and more (see p. 8 for more). strengthen the capacity of station • The CBAA’s national communities, including: conference remains a central • Provision of information, opportunity for the community advice and resources to broadcasting sector to come support stations in their together and network with

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Spotlight

Spotlight On: Fraser Coast FM redevelops their website using Radio Website Services Premium

“Fraser Coast FM 107.5 have been using the Amrap Program Guide and Amrap Presenter Page plug- ins for quite some time with great success. So much so that when it became time for the station to redevelop our website and look for another hosting organisation we immediately approached the CBAA to sign up for their RWS Premium Service. Amrap Pages have provided valuable input to our presenters The website migration, We have also recently published on the level of Australian content development and support we our first Podcast episodes on the in the programs and also the have received from the team is new website and everyone is really Playlist Search function allows exceptional. We are absolutely excited at the potential it brings to us to increase the level of music delighted with the new website Fraser Coast FM 107.5.” and especially the new Donate diversity in our programs. Our Ross McLean page. We expect that the Donate listeners really love the on- Programming Manager Fraser function alone will significantly demand streaming via the Listen Coast FM 107.5 Back feature and always comment increase revenue to the station on the integrated YouTube videos which is extremely important to that automatically come up on the us as a not-for-profit community playlists. radio station.

“We expect that the Donate function alone will significantly increase revenue to the station which is extremely important to us as a not-for-profit community radio station.”

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STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: Strengthen the CBAA’s capacity to provide leadership

19 Strategic Priority 3

Ensuring the CBAA is financially well managed with strong systems, policies, and processes underpinning governance and accountability Building the CBAA’s future • Set aside additional reserves sustainability continues to be a for ongoing sustainability. key priority for Board, and the The CBAA’s surplus for the CBAA is committed to building financial year ended 30 June 2018 a sustainable financial model, was $484,212 (2016/17: surplus aligning the CBAA resources, $69,914). structure and processes to “CBAA is a vital support the organisation’s The CBAA finances continue link in the chain strategic direction, while to be in a healthy balanced continually building an engaged, position with equity increasing of community vibrant, well-informed, effective by nearly 100% in the last five and well-supported workforce. years (includes restricted and unrestricted funds). We continue broadcasting.” In accordance with its strategy, to explore ways to maintain its during 2017/18 the CBAA sustainable and viable position for – CBAA Member in 2017 continued to generate revenue to: Member Survey the coming years. • Advance the CBAA’s mission: Further information is available • Increase and improve services in the CBAA’s 2017/18 Financial to community broadcasters; Report, available on the CBAA and website.

20 20 Strategic Priority 3

Fostering a positive, high performing and engaging working environment

The CBAA also offers flexibility community broadcasting sector. in work hours and staff are In 2017/18, the CBAA began encouraged to maintain a healthy a process to review the work/life balance. The CBAA organisational resources currently has over 50% of its staff supporting the CBAA’s strategy. working part-time or As part of this process, the Key deliverable: Continually flexible hours. building an engaged, vibrant, CBAA reviewed the structure well-informed, effective and well In 2017/18, the CBAA introduced of the organisation, supported supported workforce an Employee Assistance Program by an external HR consultancy. (EAP) for all permanent staff. The review revealed that The CBAA is committed to The EAP offers confidential improvements could be made to building a diverse workforce and counselling for staff members and ensure that the CBAA’s structure an inclusive working environment spouse from external and qualified fully supported the strategic goals where all employees feel counsellors and psychologists. of the organisation, including respected, safe and engaged, The accompanying wellness being able to best meet the needs and are effective in contributing program offers access to an online of its members within a changing to meeting the organisation’s portal with resources and training operating environment. Some strategic outcomes. for topics related to personal structural changes were made Providing opportunities for staff wellbeing, mental health and in 2018 in light of this, including to upskill has been a priority workplace health and safety. the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer (COO), Senior this year, and included CBAA Key deliverable: Aligning Manager, Business Development management and staff attending CBAA resources, structure and Senior Manager, Stakeholder educational workshops and and processes to support the Engagement. Further consultation conferences within and outside organisation’s strategic direction the community broadcasting to reach the optimal structure sector, as well as receiving The CBAA has a long tradition is needed and will continue in coaching, training and accredited of its governance, leadership 2018/19. and strategic direction being education. This will continue Alongside changes in the successfully driven by the to be a priority as a means to organisation’s structure, the CBAA CBAA Board, which is made up foster best practice, increase experienced a voluntary staff of individuals with significant staff engagement and strengthen turnover of 10%. organisational culture. expertise and experience in the

21 21 Strategic Priority 3

Diversifying financial resources by establishing and growing new income streams CBAA’s Community Radio Awards project allows the CBAA to program, and commencing a work with community radio review of its member benefits, to stations nationally to promote be finalised in 2018/19. awareness of the importance of and encourage registration • Sourcing new funding of donation decisions on the opportunities from Key deliverable: Building a Australian Organ Donor Register government, trusts, sustainable financial model, via broadcast, digital and social foundations and individual focussing on diversifying and media content. growing revenue streams through giving, along with growing corporate sponsorship and The Community Broadcasting • Establishing a systematic partnerships Suicide Prevention Project process for evaluating, continued as per the current On an ongoing basis, the selecting and sun-setting agreement that runs through 2019 CBAA’s management team and products and services. (see breakout box on p. 23 for Board investigate and consider more information). The CBAA could not do the work options for investment and it does to champion community further financial growth. This • Sponsorship radio without listening to the involves exploring strategies The CBAA is focused on gradually needs of Australian community to increase sponsorship, new building sponsorship for both its radio stations. The CBAA prides business opportunities, grants and conference and the organisation itself on providing spaces for donations. members to be heard, including as a whole. These sponsorships via phone, focus groups, at events, In 2017/18, the CBAA has been are not always monetary in via working groups such as the proactive in sourcing grant nature and may include contra Community Broadcasting Sector opportunities for various initiatives agreements or in-kind donations Roundtable and in an annual and new sector projects. In early of services to members. During membership survey. This feedback 2017, the CBAA submitted several the past financial year, the CBAA helps inform service design and applications to the CBF, APRA negotiated new agreements delivery, and policy and advocacy AMCOS, the National Disability with Broadcast Australia and work undertaken on behalf of the Insurance Agency (NDIA) and AFTRS. Sponsors for the CBAA sector. Critical to this approach is Women NSW. Conference included AFTRS, McNair yellowSquares, APRA our ability to consult effectively • Growing the CBAA AMCOS, PPCA, Deutsche Welle, when developing ideas, in decision Community Education Broadcast Components, Jands, making and when communicating Program results. AAIS, Mindframe, ConnectingUp, The CBAA was once again Spots & Space and RadioInfo. The CBAA uses this feedback to successful in receiving the design and review products and Australian Government services. In 2017/18, this included Community Awareness Grants the launch of a new service – for projects aimed at increasing the Community Radio Station the number of registered Health Check, a review of the organ and tissue donors. This

22 22 Strategic Priority 3

Spotlight

Spotlight On: Launching the Suicide Prevention Program

On 24 July 2017, the 2017 - 2019 Community Broadcasting Suicide Prevention Project was launched live on air at Mornington Peninsula’s RPP FM.

Federal Minister for Health Greg such as Lifeline, to assist... As “It’s a series of segments...that Hunt and Suicide Prevention alone as you may feel, there are we then broadcast across the Australia CEO Sue Murray people that want to help and country to community radio joined Community Broadcasting people that can help.” stations to help them connect Association of Australia CEO Jon with their local community, so CBAA Chief Executive Officer Jon Bisset at the station to announce that the communities can better Bisset sees community radio as a this renewed funding and discuss understand what can be done very effective medium for sharing the importance of the project. around suicide prevention,” says this kind of educational and CBAA CEO Jon Bisset. In an interview with RPP FM’s informative content with a large Ellice Viggers, Minister Hunt said and diverse audience. “The program has now been going the government aims to ensure for a number of years. It’s seen “Community radio is particularly that people feel equipped when as extremely successful by the able to access groups that they or their loved ones are Government and also the broader commercial radio and the ABC confronted with issues linked to suicide prevention sector.” suicide and suicide prevention. and SBS don’t, like Aboriginal communities, the RPH network, Each month, 20 short radio “At the end of the day, the issue of and ethnic communities across segments are released to despair and darkness is one which the country...it’s a really good community broadcasters across confronts virtually every family, or way to access large numbers Australia. They are designed to all of us know somebody and have of people and reach deep into promote help-seeking behaviour in some way been affected. We’re communities to ensure that these and positive lifestyle choices, providing, all up, $960,000 to [the really important messages get out using interviews with service CBAA] to assist with getting that there.” providers, as well as profiles of message out that there are ways people who have successfully through for suicide prevention, Bisset spoke further on the dealt with tough times in their that if you are in a dark place... project to community radio’s lives. there are incredible supports such national independent current as Suicide Prevention Australia, affairs program,The Wire.

23 23 SYDNEY: Level 3 44-54 Botany Road Alexandria NSW 2015

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