Media Release

Survey shows listener enthusiasm for community radio

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy today welcomed the 2008 McNair Community Radio Listener Survey results.

"The 2008 McNair Community Radio Listener Survey results demonstrate the enthusiasm the Australian listening audience has for community radio," Senator Conroy said.

"These results show that Australians enjoy unique community radio programming and are motivated to access it in new ways."

The 2008 McNair Community Radio Listener Survey was commissioned by the Community Broadcasting Association Australia (CBAA).

The results show that over an average week:

• of nearly 14 million people aged 15 and over in Australia, 4.5 million (or 27 per cent) listen to community radio on a weekly basis
• four in 10 listeners said they like the fact that programs are not available elsewhere
• community radio listeners are making especially good use of the internet to access community programming
• the most cited reason for listening to community radio is for specialist music programs 46 per cent stated that they listen because they play Australian music/support local artists.

"The Rudd Government shares the publics enthusiasm for community radio. Community radio is an important component of the Australian broadcasting environment, providing diverse and local services, and allowing the expression of a variety of views and ideas," Senator Conroy said.

For 2008—09, the Government has provided $8.8 million in funding through the Community Broadcasting Foundation to support community radio broadcasters. At the 2008—09 Budget, the Rudd Government announced $2.4 million over the next four years for the Australian Music Airplay Project and $600 000 for the National Training Program.

The 2008 McNair Community Radio Listener Survey is available at www.cbonline.org.au

ends

Date: 14 October 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall (Ministers Office) 0408 258 457