International music sensation Gotye has called on the Federal Government to ensure a future for digital community radio services in Australia by committing adequate funding in next week’s Federal Budget.
In a letter to Minister for Communications, Stephen Conroy, Wally de Backer, better known as Gotye, urged Minister Conroy to rectify the current $1.4 million per annum funding shortfall which, unless addressed, will mean digital community radio services across the country will be switched off.
Gotye is the latest in a string of big names to throw their support behind the Commit to Community Radio campaign, joining the likes of H.G Nelson, John Safran, Paul Kelly and Andrew Denton.
In his letter to the Minister, Wally de Backer outlined how community radio has been instrumental to his success as an artist and urged the Minister to ensure it’s future for emerging artists and the country’s 4.4 million community radio listeners.
“Like millions of Australians I am also a listener to community radio and I love it. We are fortunate to have one of the most diverse and vibrant community radio landscapes in the world,” Wally de Backer wrote.
“I value very highly the opportunity to connect with communities and cultures not regularly represented in mainstream Australian media through this network of volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisations.
“I urge you Minister, rectify this budget shortfall.
“It will ensure that young musicians starting to develop a unique sound and vision can find an audience and connect with a diverse community of supporters before hopefully moving onto significant endeavours on the world stage. It will ensure that millions of Australians can discover cultures and communities that are rarely represented in other media, promoting diversity and engagement between people from many different backgrounds. It will be a commitment to a vibrant, interesting and intelligent Australia.
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia President Adrian Basso said with community radio fans form across the country watching closely, the pressure is on Minister Conroy and the Federal Government to provide a future for community radio in next week’s budget.
“Unless the Federal Government commits funding in the upcoming budget, many of the 37 community digital radio services across the country will be switched off.
“This is a life or death matter for our community digital radio services. We’re taking it very seriously. The future of radio is digital and community radio can’t afford to be left behind.
For more information on digital radio and to join the Commit to Community Radio campaign go to www.committocommunityradio.org.au.