Community broadcasters like RRR, PBS and SYN play a vital role in Melbourne’s cultural landscape, but keeping up with technology isn’t cheap.
Melbourne’s community radio landscape has launched the careers of media legends like Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, and the ABC’s Zan Rowe. But in an era of podcasting, music streaming and tough economic times, stations that have been the lifeblood of the city’s culture are striving to make ends meet.
SYN’s in-house training programs were solidly booked in the three years before the COVID-19 pandemic but ceased during lockdowns. The recent loss of Department of Education grant funding worsened the station’s financial situation, and it has since been relying on a core funding partnership with the Office of Youth to continue broadcasting.
Triple R station manager Dave Houchin said community broadcasting actively encouraged listeners to participate and engage in their local communities, as well as celebrating local culture and connecting people.“SYN is a really important station for giving young people an education in media, and their first experience on air,” he said. “Community broadcasting, overall, is incredibly important.”
There are more than 200 streaming services available globally, for a fee, to anybody who has a smartphone in their pocket, or a computer to access audio and visual content. Spotify is the dominant market leader for music streaming, and 67 per cent of music in Australia was consumed via streaming in 2021, according to the
“More platforms has meant more ways for Triple R to engage with our audience. As long as we’re putting ourselves in front of people, can retain our listener support, and provide a nurturing place for our volunteers ... these are our challenges, they are the most crucial stakeholders to the station.”
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