The Albanese Government is improving access to local TV and radio while supporting the long-term sustainability of Australia’s broadcasting sector.

The Government is developing legislation to deliver reforms that support commercial, community and national broadcasting and enable it to be enjoyed by more Australians.

“The Albanese Government values a vibrant and diverse media landscape, and we want to ensure our commercial, community and national broadcasters remain sustainable into the future,” said Minister for Communications Anika Wells.

 “These reforms respond to changes in the way Australians consume and engage with broadcast media and make our laws more appropriate for the 21st century media environment.”

“We will continue to work with broadcasters on reforms that enable them to deliver quality content to Australian audiences right around the country efficiently and sustainably.”

The reforms include:

• The introduction of a radio prominence framework that will make it easier for listeners to access online simulcasts of Australian radio services on smart speakers. This follows prominence reforms the Government introduced for TV.

• Measures to reduce the regulatory burden on regional and remote commercial broadcasters, support ongoing investment in these markets and allow greater flexibility and efficiency in the sector.

• Mandating audio description and increasing captioning on free-to-air TV, subscription TV and broadcasting video-on-demand services to ensure Australians who are blind or have low vision can better access content across different platforms.

• Action on the Community Broadcasting Sector Sustainability review to deliver regulatory confidence, streamline administrative tasks and provide local stations with a greater ability to self-generate revenue.

• Supporting the establishment of a First Nations radio broadcaster in cities that currently do not have one, such as Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart.

Read also: Government agencies urged to clarify accountability for AI implementation

“Commercial radio is free to access, local and trusted by 15 million Australians every week,” added Commercial Radio and Audio Chief Executive Officer Lizzie Young.

“For decades we have been operating in a heavily regulated environment and in a market increasingly dominated by the global tech platforms.”

“Today’s announcement is a significant step towards the sustainability of our sector.”

“These reforms will enable us to continue to deliver the local content and connection to community that our audience relies on. We thank Minister Wells for her engagement with our industry and we look forward to the passage of these important reforms.”

The package of measures will ensure laws maintain pace with changing technologies and better reflect the way Australians now consume content – particularly with the increasing use of streaming services and internet-connected devices.

“These reforms will make local radio stations stronger and easier to access,” commented Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Chief Executive Officer Jon Bisset.

“The 450 community radio and TV stations across Australia are powered by locals – they help listeners stay connected and informed about what is happening just down the street in real time – they produce local independent news and information, cover local sport and events, celebrate new local Australian music and support communities though emergencies.”

“It is vital we keep local media strong, trusted and accessible – so our communities are connected with each other and informed about what is happening on their local high street – not just in Canberra or Washington.”