Speech - Commercial Radio Australia - 100 Years of Radio

Acknowledgement of country and the Voice



I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet.



I pay my respects to Elders, past and present and to all First Nations people here today.



And thank you all for your tireless efforts in keeping Australia connected, informed and entertained.

As Minister for Communications, I am privileged to celebrate the remarkable journey of Australian commercial radio industry.

For over a century, radio has played an integral role in all of our lives.



Bringing news, music and entertainment to our homes and cars, connecting us all in a way that is both timeless and enduring.



Back in 1923, there were only four radio stations and a mere 1,400 listeners tuning in to the wireless on AM.

Fast forward to today.



We boast an impressive 260 commercial radio stations, captivating 95% of all Australians every week

Localism and diversity

As one of the oldest forms of communication, radio has stood the test of time and continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to diverse voices and stories.



In 2022, the Deloitte report found that commercial radio and audio services provided 1.1 million hours of Australian content.

The value of localism is something that’s never been lost on radio – and that’s why the industry has forged lifelong relationships with millions of dedicated listeners.

Growing up in Western Sydney, I’ll never forget the day that 2WS officially launched in Leabons Lane in Seven Hills.

It was the first time that we felt recognised as a community by the media. Here were local voices telling the stories that mattered to us.

We were being given at a platform at a time when Western Sydney stories weren’t always reflected in the news of the day coming from the CBD.

And now look how far our humble 2WS has come!

WSFM is a radio success story – one of many of course – with personalities like Jonesy and Amanda, and just like this iconic duo, all radio presenters are passionate about their sector and their communities.

Recently, I had the pleasure to visit Darwin’s MIX 104.9 to chat with Katie Woolf.

Katie pointed out issues with communications outage issues in Dundee, and the serious safety concerns this was causing locals, business owners and tourists visiting the area.

Katie had her finger on the pulse, pushing an issue that matters – directly with me as the responsible Minister, in order to get the best outcomes for that community.

This kind of advocacy is something I’m seeing and hearing as I visit commercial radio stations right across the country – and it’s a great credit to your industry.

And thank you CRA and your sector for making me so welcome, and for having such engagement and professional staff on every occasion I visit.

But it’s not just local news and advocacy – commercial radio plays an indispensable role in disasters.

Your diligence keeping the airwaves alive during a natural disaster means we can get information out quickly – to help save lives and properties.

From bushfires to floods, and the pandemic – commercial radio shows up.

Your commitment to service deserves our deepest appreciation for your work keeping Australians connected when they need it most.

Innovation and adaption

And time and time again, commercial radio has shown its prepared to change and grow to meet the times.

Since those early days of AM, the industry has also moved and adapted to FM, before embracing digital radio, streaming and now audio podcasting. 



Radio is the great adapter – in large part because of its two-way nature and its ability to form personal connections with listeners in a way other forms of communications simply can’t.



Today, we have myriad listening options thanks to the modernisation and innovation of the commercial radio industry.



Through a variety of apps, Australians are now spoiled for choice and able to stream their favourite show from wherever they are.



Tech advancements such as Smart speakers and global radio apps have helped create the evolution of radio here in Australia.

And I am sure that no matter the next development, commercial radio will be at the cutting edge of innovation.



Conclusion

In closing, I thank commercial radio for all it does keeping Australians informed and connected.

Your value add is immense – responsible for some $1.1 billion in economic contribution to our GDP in 2022, and supporting more than 6,600 Australian jobs, with 2,200 of those in regional Australia.

As a Government, we remain guided by our commitment to ‘a better future’ – and that includes for your sector.

I am committed to ensure fair access to media services and content for all Australians, regardless of their financial means or location.

At the heart of our media reform agenda is the need to level the playing field for industry, and support the interests of citizens and consumers.

To that end, I remain committed to considering the prominence of Australian radio services – similar to our work we are progressing to legislate a prominence framework for connected televisions in Australia.

As is always the case, I thank CRA for its constructive and professional engagement with both my office and Department in the early consideration of this work.

Commercial radio in Australia is so fortunate to have an industry representative as passionate, methodical and forward-looking as CRA.



And I look forward you uniting, informing and entertaining us all for another 100 years.

Thank you.