The final report into the NSW music industry was released in NSW Parliament today and recommends that the government prioritise more spending be allocated to community radio for music promotion activities.
 
The report says the government should investigate options for a cultural hub, bringing together the Music Development Office, contemporary music organisations and businesses, rehearsal and performance space, community radio, writing and recording studios and a youth venue in Inner Sydney.
 
The committee acknowledged the critical role of community radio in supporting new and emerging Australian talent and the way stations can foster links between artists and communities, and that they do all of this with very limited funding.
 
While noting that community radio is regulated and funded by the Commonwealth Government, the report suggests that more could be done to support local stations that are working hard to support local musicians and, in turn, the state’s vibrant culture and healthy economy.
 
The committee recommended that the NSW Government allocate funding to community radio stations in New South Wales, on top of that already provided by the Commonwealth Government, either under a new community radio grants scheme or as part of the contemporary music funding package.
 
This funding would be used to meet the costs of the building new broadcast infrastructure and to foster live events and radio content that supports new music.
 
The committee further recommends that the NSW Government investigate opportunities to amend advertising guidelines to encourage government advertising on community radio stations, where appropriate.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia’s (CBAA) CEO, Jon Bisset, says, “The CBAA is very pleased with the findings and recommendations of today’s report into the NSW music industry. 

“Over 100 community broadcasting stations across the state deliver vital services to support grassroots NSW and Australian music, from training and mentoring initiatives, to innovative partnerships, live broadcasts, as well as of course, consistently strong airplay. 

“Latest figures indicate that 37% of music played on community radio stations each week is Australian, cementing the key role community broadcasters play in fostering and supporting diverse music scenes.

 “The CBAA is also excited by the recommendation for $35 million in funding across four years, as well as amendments to liquor licenses, the appointment of a Minister for Music, and funding for organisations like MusicNSW. The report is recognition of the massive potential of the contemporary music sector in NSW.”