CBAA Officially Launches Community Radio Airplay Charts

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has just announced the launch of the Community Radio Airplay Charts.

Within the new initiative, the charts will provide a weekly snapshot of Australian music being spun on community radio stations nationwide.

Placed on the AMRAP website, the Community Radio Airplay Charts will replace the current Download Charts. The impact of Australia’s community radio on music discovery and support for local acts will be tracked using Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology, showcasing the Australian music supported by community radio and the value of AMRAP.

Today’s announcement follows the December 2024 Community Radio Listener Survey, which found that 60% of respondents reported feeling more connected to their local music scenes due to community radio.

Additionally, one-third of participants reported discovering music and attending local events through community radio, and one in ten went on to financially support an Australian artist after hearing them on the radio.

The Community Radio Airplay Charts will provide data that highlights the reach and impact of community radio when it comes to nurturing and spotlighting local talent.

The newly launched charts will feature a National Top 20 Chart—a weekly, all-genre chart of the 20 most-played Australian songs on community radio—as well as genre-specific charts. Genres will include pop, indie/alternative, rock and metal, hip-hop and R&B, country, blues, and roots, and electronic and dance music.

“We have countless stories from Australian artists about the impact community radio has had on their music,” CBAA Music Director Andrew Khedoori said of today’s announcement. “At last, the value of community radio is no longer anecdotal and there for everyone to see.”

Outlining the importance of community radio for local artists, Emily Wurramara added, “Community radio is the backbone of artists; it allows our music to be heard throughout remote regions and communities. It’s very important for us as artists to be a part of something that promotes community and local stories.”