Statistics

In Canberra alone 28,000 listeners tune in 'exclusively' a week, [45,000 tune in alongside other chosen radio stations of preference] up to 80,000 a month.

Survey conducted by McNair Ingenuity Research 9/9/05 for Department of  Communications, Information Technology and the Arts

In a result that has stunned the national media and advertising industries, new research by McNair Ingenuity reveals more than seven million Australians - or 45% of people aged over 15 - listen to community radio every month - an estimated audience reach of over 7 million people. Each week
community radio commands an average audience of 3.7 million listeners or 24 percent of all Australians. Recent OzTam figures indicate that community radio has established an audience of 3.7 million people.

Of that number, more than 3.7 million tune in weekly and 685,000 listen exclusively to community radio. These key indicators of audience research are the result of the most comprehensive survey ever conducted in the community radio sector's 30 year history. The survey was funded by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts through the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF).

Ms Deborah Welch, a CBF Director, hailed the figures as confirmation of the growing strength and influence the community broadcasting sector has across Australia.

Additional information from research initiatives or sources has been used to expand on data collected through the Community Broadcasting Database.

Most notably, qualitative research conducted by the Key Centre for Cultural and Media Policy, now amalgamated with the School of Arts, Media and Culture at Griffith University, has been drawn on to enhance statistical information where appropriate.

The diversity of program content exhibited by most community broadcasting stations prevents the development of mass audiences; however recent research indicates that collectively the sector has significant audience reach.

About the CBF

The Community Broadcasting Foundation is an independent non-profit funding agency that solicits and distributes funds for the maintenance and development of community broadcasting in Australia audiences.

The Foundation's values affirm the principles of Access, Diversity, Independence, Innovation and Localism and the commitment to social justice that underpin the community broadcasting sector's philosophy and operation.

Our vision is to assist community broadcasting to reach its full potential as a well-resourced, independent, diverse, vibrant and accessible Australian media sector.

The Australian community broadcasting sector is recognised internationally as one of the most successful examples of grassroots media. Community broadcasting provides news, information, cultural content and entertainment to communities defined by geographical location or common interest.  The diversity of program content available through community broadcasting, particularly specialist services, broadens the media choices available to all Australians.

Australia boasts one of the most long-standing and vibrant community broadcasting sectors in the world.