The Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025) set out the guiding principles and minimum standards all community broadcasters must follow. Developed with the sector and approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Codes reflect the unique values at the heart of community broadcasting - access, diversity, independence and local content.
Introduction
Millions of listeners across Australia tune in to community radio each week. We play a vital role in the Australian media ecosystem, providing a voice for communities that are underserved by commercial and public broadcasters.
We are community driven. We provide opportunities and encourage participation. We have grown to be Australia’s largest independent media sector but have retained our grassroots base.
We are incubators for creative talent and diverse skills. We develop, mentor and nurture workers in broadcasting, management, marketing, media, networking, community-building and governance.
We generate local content. We produce hyperlocal news and public interest journalism.
We support our communities through emergencies and recovery. We deliver information and alerts in language and in a community-appropriate way.
We support creative industries and enhance Australia’s cultural vibrancy and social wellbeing. We champion Australian music and are a launchpad for Australian composers, songwriters, performers and producers.
We promote the identities of local communities and contribute to social inclusion. We strengthen Australia's democracy by sharing diverse content from diverse and underrepresented communities – including First Nations communities, communities in regional and remote Australia, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, faith-based communities, youth and seniors’ communities, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with a disability.
In doing so, we promote the diverse identities of Australians and enrich the social and cultural fabric of Australian society.
How the Codes work
Our sector is regulated by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA), which establishes a co-regulatory framework that sets out how the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (the Codes) are developed and enforced. The Codes are made by our sector, for our sector, in consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The Codes do not replace the BSA, they are complementary, and we are legally obliged to comply with both the BSA and the Codes.
The ACMA registers the Codes and enforces compliance with the Codes, including being an escalation point for unresolved Code complaints. Code complaints should first be addressed to us and dealt with in accordance with our complaints and disputes policies and procedures. Complaints about alleged breaches of licence conditions or the BSA may be addressed to us or can go directly to the ACMA. The ACMA does not have a role in the complaint or dispute resolution process for internal complaints and disputes.
As the sector organisation representing the majority of licensees, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia is responsible for coordinating a periodic review of the Codes.
Guiding Principles
Community broadcasters are united by a set of Guiding Principles:
- We pursue the principles of democracy, access and equity, especially for people and issues not adequately represented in other media.
- We are committed to the self-determination of First Nations peoples.
- We reflect an inclusive Australia by supporting and celebrating culture and languages and promoting harmony and diversity.
- We work to overcome prejudice and discrimination.
- We enhance the diversity of viewpoints and programming choices available in Australia.
- We are independent and community controlled.
- We support and nurture local arts, music and culture.
- We encourage and increase community engagement and participation in broadcasting.
For more details, please visit the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia’s website.