13 July 2007

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ACMA invites applications for two new community radio licences in Perth, WA

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking applications for two new community radio licences for the Perth area of Western Australia.

‘ACMA is pleased to commence the allocation of these two community radio licences,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman. ‘The two frequencies being made available are 100.9 MHz and 90.5 MHz. The frequency 100.9 MHz has been vacant since October 2006, when ACMA cancelled the licence held by WAAMA (the Western Australian Aboriginal Media Association) as a result of continuing breaches of licence conditions. The frequency 90.5 MHz is currently shared by two groups providing temporary community services.’

Copies of all applications received will be available on ACMA’s website and in the City of Perth Library for viewing from Monday, 27 August 2007.

ACMA welcomes written submissions from members of the public in relation to the applications received. Submissions should be lodged with ACMA by 5.00 pm on Monday, 10 September 2007. Submissions can also be lodged by email, to CARSubmissions@acma.gov.au. Any submissions received will be available for viewing on ACMA’s website shortly thereafter.

Copies of any letters of support included with applications and subsequent support letters received by ACMA will not be displayed on the website or in libraries but can be made available for inspection on request. Anyone who has concerns about public access to their personal details should advise ACMA to treat this information as confidential.

Backgrounder

Allocation of community broadcasting licences

Only non-profit community broadcasting organisations that represent a community interest will be eligible for the allocation of a community broadcasting licence.

In light of the judgment of the Federal Court of Australia handed down on 31 January 2003, ACMA will not be granting any extensions of time within which to apply for a community radio licence. Applications must be made on the approved form, Form ACMA B32: Application for the Allocation of a Community Broadcasting Licence (Broadcasting Services Bands).

ACMA will decide if a licence is to be allocated and, in the case of competing applicants, to which applicant.

The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act) provides that the allocation of broadcasting services bands community broadcasting licences is merit based. This means that ACMA will allocate these licences on the basis of the merits of applicants and their proposed services and, when necessary, on the comparative merits of competing applications.

ACMA is not obliged to allocate a community broadcasting licence to an applicant even if ACMA has advertised for and received applications.

In assessing applications ACMA will have regard to matters set out in the Act. These matters include:

  • whether the proposed service meets the definition of a community broadcasting service
  • whether the applicant is a ‘company’ and represents a community interest
  • the needs and interests of the community and the extent to which the applicant’s proposed service would meet those needs and interests
  • the nature and diversity of other broadcasting services available within the licence area
  • the applicant’s capacity to provide the proposed service
  • matters related to the control of the licence and
  • whether the allocation is subject to any Ministerial ‘priority direction’.