A Catalyst for Change

Something unique is happening in the Australian community broadcasting sector. Recent studies have revealed that Australia has possibly the highest level of community radio listenership per capita in the developed world. The sector began more than 30 years ago and now reaches one-quarter of the population over the age of 15 who tune in at least once each week. The first qualitative audience study of the sector, completed in 2006, has revealed an extraordinary level of passion amongst listeners to community radio and viewers of community television stations from urban centres to the most remote regions across the country. But it also offers a powerful critique of mainstream broadcasting, with audiences essentially abandoning commercial radio, in particular, because of its inability to provide them with local news and information, Australian music, and programming that is reflective of Australia’s cultural diversity. This chapter reflects on the first hard evidence that suggests ways in which community radio and television are meeting the needs of Australian broadcasting audiences. The Australian government in 2007 relaxed limits on foreign ownership of Australian media, fuelling a further ownership re-orientation in what is already the most concentrated media market in the world. Despite the negative impact of globalising media forces, community broadcasting in Australia is empowering audiences to re-engage in the processes of democracy at the grass roots’ level creating social coherence through diversity. A catalyst for change? Australian community broadcasting audiences fight back