Educational radio in its third decade: Redefining the concept of educational broadcasting in terms of new expectations and financial restraint

In seven years of involvement with institutionally-based educational public broadcasting in Western Australia I have observed a process of evolution within the sector, in terms of its raison d'etre as well as fundamental reorientations in the mechanisms of financial support. A prior four years of experience in similar operations in North America have contributed to my perceptions of where the future opportunities for educational broadcasting lie and the factors which have placed us on the current path. In August 1986, the Public Broadcasting Association of Australia convened a weekend conference entitled "The Practice of Educational Radio". At this gathering I was surprised to find that my conclusions were not isolated, since many of my colleagues expressed parallel views.