Musicians & Stations Rally For #KeepCommunityRadio Campaign

The Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap) are the latest to join in on the #keepcommunityradio campaign (an effort to restore funding to community radio following the Federal Budget cuts) and have called on musicians to help fight the cause by posting selfies showing their support. 

The likes of Josh Pyke, The Smith Street Band, The Goon Sax, Reece Mastin, Camp Cope and Kim Salmon have all gotten involved in the campaign which was sparked by a whopping $1.4 million drop in funding to the Community Broadcasting Program.

"I'm no mathematician but even I can see that the Federal Budget doesn’t save money by giving a multi-million dollar discount to commercial radio, while clawing a tiny portion of that cash back from community radio," Amrap manager Chris Johnson told theMusic.

"It’s about time politicians of all stripes realised what Aussie musicians and five million weekly community radio listeners already know, that community radio is vital to the future of Australian music on the airwaves and no government can afford to undermine the value it brings for such a small investment."

Speaking to theMusic last month, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) CEO Jon Bisset said community radio will experience a "significant cut" if funding isn't restored.

"It’s not as easy as cutting back, it will mean services go off air," Bisset said.

Meanwhile, community radio stations around the country are showing their support for their campaign tomorrow with a number of different initiatives. 

Here's what's happening in your state for #keepcommunityradio: 

Melbourne

Melbourne's Triple R will interrupt regular programming for a special 'Keep Community Radio Day Of Action' which will feature special guests and live performances, while other community stations in the city including PBS FM, SYN FM, Vision Radio Australia, 3ZZZ FM and 3MBS will all host unique broadcasts.

brisbane

Brisbane's 4ZZZ will also take part in the cause because, as station manager Michelle Brown says, a cut in funding will impact the "vibrant community that surrounds the station".

"Our station is an integral part of giving light to the marginalised voices of our community, with a long running focus on LGBTQI issues, alternative politics, local and independent music and much more," Brown said.

"Losing funding would create a major hole in Brisbane’s cultural landscape."

sydney

FBi will today host an ALP announcement about community radio services today from 4pm, which the CBAA which also stream on their social media handles.  

perth

Perth's RTRFM will dedicate tomorrow's entire programming (6am-midnight) to shows and conversations dedicated to the #keepcommunityradio campaign. The station will also feature industry figures and local musicians who will weigh in on the topic.

adelaide

From 2.30-4.30pm tomorrow, PBA FM will host a industry-heavy show, targeting the ins and outs of the federal cuts and the significance of the campaign. 

To sign the petition, click here. 

 

Community radio is such an important part of Aussie music. We all grew up in the suburbs and it was one of our first outlets for discovering an alternative to "commercial" music. These stations help foster young bands, link up like-minded artists and do so many other important things for musos and music lovers! Tell our government we want to #keepcommunityradio! Please sign the petition at www.keepcommunityradio.org.au ...and speaking of... @4zzzradio fans in Brissy, keep an ear out for something fun happening soon

A photo posted by The Smith Street Band (@thesmithstreetband) on Jun 1, 2016 at 12:17am PDT

 

We want the government to #KeepCommunityRadio you guys can help by signing the petition at www.keepcommunityradio.org.au

A photo posted by The Gooch Palms (@thegoochpalms) on May 31, 2016 at 11:10pm PDT

 

community radio is super important and funding is needed to keep it alive and healthy. please take a second to sign the petition at www.keepcommunityradio.org.au #keepcommunityradio

A photo posted by CAMP COPE (@camp_cope) on May 31, 2016 at 6:33pm PDT

I want the government to #KeepCommunityRadio pic.twitter.com/th8n6mTh2j

— Reece Mastin (@reecemastin) June 1, 2016

 

Don't know where we or any other Australian bands would be without community radio. Help by signing the petition www.keepcommunityradio.org.au #keepcommunityradio

A photo posted by The Goon Sax (@thegoonsax) on Jun 1, 2016 at 4:16am PDT

 

#KeepCommunityRadio support from stations like @3rrrfm @pbsfm @fbiradio @rtrfm @2ser_ @4zzzradio the list goes onnnn makes being an independent musician easier. They make it feel like someone is listening. Taking funding away from community radio will destroy the best avenue that independent musicians have for getting their music heard and that would be an absolute disaster for the Australian music scene. Sign this petition www.keepcommunityradio.org.au to show the government how important this is to us 

A photo posted by totallymild (@totallymild) on May 31, 2016 at 10:43pm PDT