Research shapes our decision-making and helps to keep us informed about what media organisations are doing, the motivations of listeners and how community media is engaging their audiences.
Partnering on research projects
Our knowledge about the sector and its long history, combined with data, is an invaluable source of information for researchers. This research in turn, helps to inform our decision-making and build resilience in community broadcasting.
Community Music Radio: Building the Music-Media Ecosystem project
In early 2022, Monash University was awarded funding by the Australian Research Council (ARC) to conduct a three-year study of Australian community radio’s contribution to the Australian music and creative industries. This project aims to understand the economic and socio-cultural contributions of community radio and how stations help make Australian music more visible and discoverable on global digital platforms. The project is being led by researchers from Monash and Griffith universities in partnership with our organisation, the CBAA, the Australia Council for the Arts and APRA AMCOS.
Connecting communities in a digital media era: Australia ethnic community broadcasting in the 21st century
Following a 2022/23 national research project into ethnic community broadcasting in Australia, Griffith University released its report ‘Connecting communities in a digital media era: Australia ethnic community broadcasting in the 21st century’. Based on a study of full-time ethnic community radio stations as well as ethnic programs within broader, more generalist stations in urban, regional and rural areas, the report looks at how programs worked with and within their communities and how more recent shifts towards digital platforms and the COVID-19 pandemic have changed listening habits. In partnership with National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council (NEMBC) and Griffith University, we are proud to have supported this study which involved surveying 100 ethnic community radio practitioners across the country as well as interviews and audience focus groups at eight stations.
The Griffith University report delivers several key findings and seven key recommendations for stations, broadcasters, sector peak bodies and other contributors to the migrant media experience.
Partnership with Lowitja Institute and First Nations Media Australia
In partnership with the Lowitja Institute, we have supported First Nations Media Australia (FNMA) to contribute to the Closing the Gap strategy. The project examined First Nations’ representation in media and identified opportunities that would help to demonstrate its value and impact.
Audience research
Community radio is an important part of Australian culture with nearly five million Australians* tuning in every week.
We gain invaluable industry insight into the listening habits of Australians by funding research including the National Listener Survey. This Australia-wide research (managed by the CBAA) engages 16,000 people, highlighting trends, listener behaviour and the tangible difference community radio makes in the community. View the latest research conducted by McNair yellowSquares (click to enlarge or visit the National Listener Survey for an interactive version).
*CBAA Community Radio Listener Survey, 2022.
Participation studies
In 2022, the CBAA conducted the biggest ever Sector Participation Study surveying paid employees and volunteers in community broadcasting. With over 1,700 responses, this study provides insights into the shape of the sector and allows us to understand the social value of the sector for participants and listeners.
We are committed to supporting research focused on Australian community media to ensure we stay connected with our evolving industry. View the CBF Support for Research Policy.