Community radio milestone celebrated

Sunbury Radio rock show presenter Alicia Killen will be among those celebrating the 50th anniversary of community radio this week.

On 23 September 1974 the Whitlam government established community broadcasting, giving local people a chance to present music and news that reflects their community on their own radio station.

It was a landmark moment for Australian media, says Jon Bisset, CEO of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA).

Fifty years on and Sunbury Radio is just one of more than 500 community radio broadcasters that reach more than five million people across Australia each week – 24% of the population.

Ms Killen, host of Sunbury Radio’s The X Show, joined the station’s line-up of volunteer presenters this year, and in addition to her Monday 3pm slot is co-host of the Distinctive Options show 11am Fridays.

“I have been on the air with my own show for nearly a year,” says Ms Killen. “I love being part of the station – it has done so much for my confidence, speech, and mental health, helping me to express joy, community spirt, and great music with each show.

“The station provides an hour show for the disability community on Fridays. The crew from Distinctive Options do all of the content planning for The DO Show, and I am honoured be a co-host with them.”

Sunbury Radio president Alan Fraser says: “Sunbury Radio and its team of volunteers are proud to be associated with the community radio sector as it celebrates 50 years’ broadcasting to local communities.

“Our station’s history dates back to the mid 1980s when Bulla FM was born. Since then there have been many changes for us and the community radio sector.

“We’ve grown from a modest part-time broadcaster to one that operates around the clock. It is a great achievement when you consider we are all volunteers.

“Sunbury Radio provides an essential service, giving people from across our growing and diverse community an opportunity to share music and news, interview local people on air, and we take pride in broadcasting live from numerous public events in Sunbury throughout the year.

“We continue to grow with the support of our listeners, dedicated volunteers, and our loyal and valued sponsors.”

The CBAA states 62% of regional community radio listeners say their main reason to tune in is for local information and news. Adding that the sector:

• Plays a unique, hyperlocal role communicating emergency information and providing more support to build community resilience in times of disaster
• Promotes Australian music. On average, community radio stations broadcast 38% Australian music each week
• 31% of community radio listeners say hearing Australian music is the main reason they tune in
• Strengthens social and economic inclusion and cohesion, support settlement of new migrant groups, and strengthen multiculturalism
• Provides more skilled career pathways into the media and communications industry for all communities

Sunbury Radio is keen to hear from anybody who’d like to support the station. Click here for more information.