Various members of the broadcasting community gathered at Constitutional Hill to discuss the Department of Communications draft proposal for the Community Broadcasting Support Scheme.
The discussion was set to gather public opinion in order to diversify views and unpack some of the issues detailed in the draft proposal.
The proposal states the department’s intentions to provide support for community television and radio stations through various avenues.
Members from the National Association of Broadcasters, National Community Radio Forum, SOS: Support Public Broadcasting Coalition, and representatives from the community radio and community television sectors expressed their concerns and delight with the recommendations set out in the document.
One of the issues raised in terms of the draft was that some of the drafts proposed were ambiguous and needed clarification.
One of the largest concerns was with regards to the funding distribution policy. Representatives from the radio industry found that they were getting too little, whereas, community TV broadcasters argued that the industry has been side-lined for far too long and the proposed funding distribution ratio of 70% for television and 30% for radio, was the redress the industry needs.
The representatives highlighted these as what they though where the good aspects of the draft: The document fleshes the issues within the government that need to be addressed and resolved.
The panel agreed that the draft should be commended for the following:
What was problematic?
A draft proposal for the advancement of community radio and television sector was issued by the Department of Communication in June. The draft states the department’s intentions to support the community broadcast industry. The public has been given until 30 September 2015 to provide comment and submissions.