Media Release

Budget 2009: Funding for community broadcasting training

Ongoing Budget support for community broadcasting training recognises the contribution made by the sector, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said tonight.

"The National Training Program for community broadcasters will receive funding totalling $2.5 million over four years to enable the delivery of accredited management and broadcasting training to community broadcasters," Senator Conroy said.

"The community broadcasting sector has traditionally played an important role in providing a practical training ground for Australian broadcasting media, and the Government is pleased to provide funding to the National Training Program."

The program supports equity and social inclusion by providing individuals with nationally-recognised training that assists workforce participation and mobility, and furthers skill development.

"Under the National Training Program, individual trainees benefit from improved knowledge and skills," Senator Conroy said.

"These are both important to the broadcasting industry and transferable to jobs in other sectors.

"The Government recognises the role the community broadcasting sector plays in supporting media diversity and providing communities with a local voice."

In particular, these training places will support the special training needs in radio for the print handicapped and Indigenous broadcasting.

Training opportunities will also target multicultural community broadcasters, including those servicing ethnic youth communities and new language groups.

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Date: 12 May 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457