Broadcast Services Act amendment a “win for common sense”
CRA CEO Joan Warner
An amendment to the Broadcast Services Act today will give regional radio station operators more flexibility in managing their stations.
Joan Warner, CEO of Commercial Radio Australia, said: “It’s a win for common sense.”
The amendment is around the definition of “trigger events” and the consequences when a station is bought.
The change to the act has loosened the 2007 amendment, which meant that stations suffered from frozen staff levels and facilities when a regional station changed hands.
The ruling affected 220 commercial radio stations.
Warner said: “The industry has worked hard over many years to have these amendments introduced. We appreciate the efforts of our current Minister, Stephen Conroy, and the Liberal and National Parties to reach agreement on these amendments. The changes passed today will provide a measure of relief from the onerous red tape requirements and compliance burden that was placed on 220 commercial regional radio stations in 2007.”
She added: “Commercial regional radio is a vital part of Australia’s regional communities and the broadcasters will now be able to continue to inform and entertain their millions of loyal listeners without unnecessary regulatory intervention in key aspects of the day to day running of their stations.”
At the National Radio Conference in October 2011, chairperson for the CRA Cathy O’Connor, also CEO of DMG Australia, called the licensing conditions “draconian and unfair” as she listed the number of government reviews commercial radio was undergoing.
“Local” country/provincial radio licence holders should be “Local” and not just on relay from a “hub”. If they can’t do it, give the licences to some one who can.
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