- Introduction
Sunbury Radio is committed to delivering diverse, high-quality programming that reflects the interests and needs of the community we serve.
This policy outlines our guiding principles, ensuring that all content is inclusive, balanced, and aligned with our core values of community engagement, fairness, and professionalism.
This document will serve as a guide for programmers, staff, and volunteers, helping to maintain our station’s standards across all content.
- Diversity and Inclusion
At Sunbury Radio, we strive to reflect the diversity of the Sunbury community and surrounding areas.
This commitment applies to both the content we broadcast and the individuals involved in our station’s operations.
Representation: We actively seek to feature voices from a wide range of backgrounds, including different cultural, ethnic, and linguistic groups, as well as people of various ages, genders, and sexual orientations.
This may include:
- Culturally Diverse Programming: Broadcasting shows in languages other than English, or featuring segments on cultural events and traditions.
- Disability-Inclusive Content: Ensuring our programming includes voices from people with disabilities, both as on-air talent and in the stories we share.
- Youth Programming: Involving younger people through youth-specific programs that address issues relevant to their age group, encouraging their participation both on and off-air.
- Inclusive Content: Programming should aim to be accessible to all, ensuring that sensitive topics are addressed respectfully.
For example:
Gender Sensitivity: Avoiding gender stereotypes in discussion and music selection, and ensuring balanced representation of female, non-binary, and male voices.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Ensuring that LGBTQ+ issues are discussed openly and with respect, providing a platform for marginalised voices.
Procedures for Ensuring Diversity:
- All program proposals must outline how they will incorporate diverse voices or perspectives.
- Regular reviews of program content to assess the representation of different communities.
- Training for programmers and presenters on cultural competence and inclusion.
- Music Programming
Sunbury Radio aims to offer an eclectic mix of music that reflects both the community’s tastes and broader trends, while also supporting local artists.
- Diverse Music Choices: Our music programming will feature a broad range of genres, including pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, world music, and more. We seek to balance popular and alternative music, catering to varied listener demographics. For example:
- Themed Shows: Programs dedicated to specific genres or themes (e.g., “Jazz Nights” or “Sunbury Sounds”) encourage audience engagement with niche genres.
- Cultural Celebrations: Incorporate music tied to local cultural events or holidays, such as Diwali, Lunar New Year, or NAIDOC Week.
Support for Local and Independent Artists:
- We are committed to giving airtime to local musicians and independent artists. This includes:
- Local Artist Spotlight: Regular segments featuring interviews and tracks from musicians based in Sunbury and the surrounding area.
- Live Studio Performances: Inviting local artists to perform live on air, offering exposure and a platform for their work.
- Procedures for Music Selection:
- Playlists are curated to ensure diversity, with a mix of established hits and emerging talent.
- Programmers should be mindful of balance, ensuring that no single genre or artist dominates the airwaves.
- Compliance with APRA AMCOS and PPCA licensing agreements is mandatory. All songs must be cleared for broadcast.
- Politics and Religion
As a community broadcaster, Sunbury Radio remains neutral on political and religious matters, while providing a platform for respectful discussion.
Political Content:
- Political content should be informative, impartial, and designed to educate listeners on local and global political issues. Sunbury Radio does not endorse political candidates or parties. For example:
- Election Coverage: We will provide balanced coverage during elections, ensuring all political candidates are given an equal opportunity to present their views.
- Public Interest Shows: Regular programs discussing current events, political policies, and local government decisions, with a focus on community impact.
Religious Content:
Religious programs are welcome at Sunbury Radio, provided they remain educational and inclusive.
We do not promote any specific religion over others, and religious content should foster understanding and respect.
Examples:
- Interfaith Dialogue: A segment dedicated to discussing different religious perspectives in a respectful, open environment.
- Religious Programming Guidelines:
- Avoid proselytising or encouraging religious conversion.
- Present a balanced view of all faiths, ensuring no single religion is privileged.
- Spoken Word Content
- Spoken word content is a key part of Sunbury Radio’s offering, including interviews, talk shows, and community news.
Informative and Entertaining:
- Spoken word programs should provide value to our listeners by being both engaging and informative. For example:
- Community Issues Segment: Covering local news, council updates, and interviews with community leaders.
- Entertainment Programming: Talk shows that cover a wide range of subjects, from arts and culture to science and technology.
Community Voices:
We encourage participation from all members of the Sunbury community. Spoken word content should reflect the voices of the people we serve, featuring stories from underrepresented groups.
Procedures for Engaging the Community:
- Provide open callouts for volunteers or community members to share their stories or join on-air discussions.
- Feature a “Community Contributors” segment, where local residents can suggest discussion topics.
Balance and Fairness:
- In the event of controversial topics, Sunbury Radio ensures balance by offering multiple perspectives.
- Hosts and producers are responsible for avoiding biased or inflammatory content.
- This includes fact-checking sources and ensuring accurate representation.
- Language
Sunbury Radio adheres to a professional and respectful standard for language use, as outlined in our earlier policy. Key points include:
Appropriate Language:
All on-air content must reflect community standards of decency. Inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory language is not tolerated.
For example:
- Profanity Filters: Programs broadcast during peak listening times, such as mornings and afternoons, should avoid explicit language.
- Content airing during later hours must clearly warn listeners of any mature themes or strong language.
- Cultural Sensitivity: When discussing cultural or identity-related issues, presenters must ensure they use respectful, inclusive language.
Consistency:
Presenters should consistently use clear and professional language across all broadcasts. Any deviation from this standard, such as the use of jargon or slang, should be contextualised and explained to the audience where necessary.
- Studio Best Practice
The smooth operation of Sunbury Radio depends on maintaining a professional and well-functioning studio environment.
Technical Standards:
All technical equipment, including broadcast consoles, microphones, and recording software, must be maintained to a high standard. This includes:
Regular Maintenance Checks: Ensure equipment is regularly tested and serviced to prevent downtime.
Backup Systems: Have contingency plans and backup systems in place in case of equipment failure.
Health and Safety:
The studio must be a safe working environment for all. This involves:
- Clear Emergency Procedures: Ensure emergency exits are well-marked, and staff are familiar with evacuation protocols.
- Studio Hygiene: Regular cleaning of microphones, headphones, and shared surfaces, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Professional Conduct:
- All staff, volunteers, and guests are expected to behave professionally within the studio. This includes:
- Respectful Behaviour: Maintain a respectful and inclusive atmosphere, free from harassment or inappropriate behaviour.
- Studio Etiquette: Presenters should arrive on time for their slots, ensure smooth transitions between programs, and avoid disruptions to ongoing broadcasts.
- Compliance and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with relevant broadcasting standards, including the Community Radio Codes of Practice and any licensing requirements.
Staff and volunteers at Sunbury Radio are responsible for upholding these standards. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, ranging from warnings to suspension of broadcasting privileges.
Submitted by Evan Barton Programming Officer 24-25
Ratified by the Committee of Management 14/10/24
Reviewed/reformatted AJ 6/11/24
Sunbury Radio 2024 Presenter Code of Conduct Poster
1. Commitment to Quality & Community
Our Mission: Deliver diverse, high-quality programming that reflects the needs and interests of our community.
Values: Community engagement, inclusivity, fairness, and professionalism.
2. Diversity and Inclusion
Representation: Feature voices across cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and age groups.
Disability Inclusion: Ensure accessibility and representation for people with disabilities.
Youth Engagement: Encourage youth participation both on-air and off-air.
3. Music Programming
Genre Variety: Balance popular and alternative music, including pop, rock, classical, jazz, and world music.
Support Local Artists: Regular segments for local musicians, including live studio performances.
4. Politics and Religion
Neutrality: Provide balanced coverage and respectful discussions without endorsing specific viewpoints.
Guidelines: Avoid proselytizing and ensure a balanced representation of all faiths.
5. Spoken Word Content
Community Voices: Reflect the voices and stories of our community, with emphasis on underrepresented groups.
Balance & Fairness: Provide multiple perspectives, especially on controversial topics.
6. Language Use
Appropriate Language: Adhere to community standards of decency. Explicit language should be warned or avoided.
Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure respectful language around cultural and identity-related topics.
7. Studio Best Practices
Technical Standards: Regular maintenance and backup systems to avoid disruptions.
Health & Safety: Clear emergency procedures and regular cleaning.
Professional Conduct: Respectful behaviour is expected from all staff and volunteers.
8. Compliance and Monitoring
Annual Review: Policies reviewed annually to maintain compliance with broadcasting standards.
Accountability: Staff and volunteers are responsible for upholding these standards.