Community media organisations produce and deliver some of Australia’s most dynamic, compelling and relevant content. We have proudly invested in these projects since 1984, helping to bring a number of important Australian programs to life. Whether distributed locally or nationally, we invest in content that demonstrates its impact on the target audiences and to those that help create it.
We aim to balance investment in established programs with seeding support for new and innovative content.
New and innovative content embraces creative ideas and approaches to the crafts of storytelling and sharing of culture and perspectives. It can also involve new and emerging technologies, platforms and distribution methods. This may be community media organisations making content for any medium(s) or involve independent producers creating content to be aired via a community media organisation.
In the case of independent producers, we only support those who demonstrate a commitment to community media and good community consultation practices.
We recognise there can be strong value in continuing to support established programs. Established programs can provide:
- entertainment, information and community connection
- continuity of structured program content that encourages high levels of access and participation, enhancing valuable skills development
- assist organisations to continue to serve its community of interest
- in the case of local programming, their role in audience retention, engagement and growth at a station level
- at a national and multiple station level, enhanced community radio and TV sector profile.
In some instances, we provide multi-year funding support. Multi-year funding provides financial stability to assist organisations and producers to develop and enhance partnerships and other support, encouraging greater sustainability. Applicants seeking multi-year support are asked to show what effect longer-term funding will have on the programs/projects over the funded period and beyond. They are also asked to demonstrate the program’s relevance to their audiences.
To receive multi-year funding support, the program/project must:
- have broad impact e.g. a program reaching multiple communities
- be collaborative involving multiple stations and/or project partners in the production of content; and/or
- demonstrate potential for growth – his could be financial, audience, partnerships or other opportunities.