For strong and successful broadcasters
CBAA GROUP
Annual
Impact Report
2024/25
Welcome
As the peak body for community broadcasting, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) helps stations thrive through essential services, strong advocacy, and practical support.
Our members include First Nations, faith, disability, LGBTIQA+ and multicultural broadcasters, ensuring the sector reflects the voices and experiences of communities right across Australia.
Together, we continue to strengthen community broadcasting as a vibrant, inclusive and accessible part of the national media landscape, enriching cultural and social life every week for millions of listeners and viewers.
This Annual Impact Report highlights our achievements from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, with detailed financial results available in the Annual Financial Report.
powering stations nationwide
18,000 volunteers
92% membership
CBAA at a glance...
5.3 million listeners
tuning in every week
nearly all permanent community broadcasters
92%
30 44
net promoter score
increase year-on-year
30
44
4.7M
5.3M
5.2M
This was a year of major outcomes for CBAA and the sector:
- 5.38 million Australians tuned in to community radio every week, underscoring its reach and relevance.
- Our advocacy secured a 22% increase in Federal Government funding — an extra $27 million over three years to strengthen community and Indigenous broadcasting.
- The new Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025 were approved, modernising the framework that underpins the sector.
Stations continue to face cost pressures and workforce challenges, but their resilience remains a defining strength. CBAA’s role is to ensure they have the policy settings, infrastructure and services needed to keep delivering trusted local content.
Looking ahead, Roadmap 2033 provides a clear vision. For CBAA, that means sharper advocacy, more efficient services, and deeper collaboration — always with the goal of keeping stations strong, relevant and sustainable.
We thank our members, staff and volunteers for their commitment and energy. Together, we continue to build a sector that is vibrant, diverse and essential to Australian life.
Jacquie Riddell, President
Jon Bisset, Chief Executive Officer
Message from our Chair and CEO
In 2024–25, the CBAA strengthened its role as the national peak body for community broadcasting. We focused on driving impact through services, advocacy and sector leadership, while continuing to work within the broader CBAA Group – alongside LINA, Disability Media Australia and Spots & Space – to grow media diversity and sustainability across Australia.
Leading for Purpose
Amplifying Content
Connecting Audiences
Advocating for a Stronger Future
Championing Community Broadcasting
Building Capability
Click on a strategic priority area above to learn more
Our Enablers
Governance
Effective governance ensures organisational sustainability and that risks are appropriately managed.
Collaboration
Partnerships, network building, shared resources, information and support maximise our impact.
Evidence-based decisions
A robust evidence base supports a sophisticated understanding of community broadcasting.
Our Vision:
Community radio at the heart of every community.
Our Purpose:
To support the development of strong and successful community broadcasters.
Our Strategy
Looking Ahead
As we close another year of growth and collaboration, we remain focused on the opportunities ahead. Our vision is clear: a thriving, sustainable and inclusive community broadcasting sector at the heart of every Australian community.
Priorities for 2025–26
In the coming year, CBAA will:
- Expand tools and resources that strengthen station resilience and sustainability
- Provide more hands-on governance and compliance support
- Accelerate technology solutions that make broadcasting simpler and more accessible
- Advocate for long-term government investment that reflects our impact
These practical steps will support stations facing funding pressures, volunteer turnover and infrastructure challenges, while building confidence and sustainability across the sector.
Advancing the Roadmap 2033 vision
2025–26 marks the third year of implementing Roadmap 2033: Community Broadcasting’s Plan for Greater Impact. Our next phase will focus on:
- Establishing shared outcomes frameworks to measure sector impact
- Progressing collaborative service models to streamline operations
- Deepening work on equity, accessibility and workforce development
- Preparing for the Sector Congress in 2027 through inclusive planning and consultation
Roadmap 2033 remains a living document - co-owned by the sector and responsive to new opportunities and challenges.
Investing in critical infrastructure
Securing investment in essential infrastructure will be a priority. This includes emergency broadcasting, shared platforms and Community Radio Plus. These investments are about more than technology - they ensure Australians everywhere can access trusted, local content in times of celebration, emergency and daily life.
Strengthening collaboration with CMTO
Our partnership with the Community Media Training Organisation (CMTO) will enter a new phase in 2025–26, with a shared agenda to deliver high-quality, accessible training that meets stations where they are.
An open invitation
Whether you’re a station manager, volunteer, policymaker, funder or media partner, our work is stronger when we do it together. We invite you to collaborate as we continue to strengthen media diversity, build capability and grow community connection across Australia.
An interview going to air on
Radio Eastern in Victoria
