Celebrating 50 years of community radio in Australia and 30 years in the Blue Mountains

Community radio in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, is not only a reflection of local identity but also part of a broader movement that has shaped Australia’s media landscape for half a century. As the country celebrates 50 years of community broadcasting on September 23, 2024, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the impact that local stations like Radio Blue Mountains (RBM 89.1FM) have had on their communities and the wider broadcasting sector.

Community radio in Australia traces its origins to the groundbreaking decision by the Whitlam Government in 1974 to establish a third broadcasting sector, complementing the national (ABC) and commercial broadcasters. This decision was a revolutionary moment for Australian media, enabling local voices, grassroots organizations, and underrepresented communities to have a platform. Jon Bisset, CEO of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), aptly described it as “a new era in the advancement of radio development in Australia.”

In the Blue Mountains, this national movement found a strong foothold in the 1990s, when local residents sought a media platform that could cater to the region’s distinct cultural and social needs. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of Radio Blue Mountains in 1993. Since then, RBM 89.1FM has thrived, becoming a voice for the people of the Blue Mountains and embodying the values that the community broadcasting sector was founded on.

The crew at Gang Gang Street

The establishment of community radio stations across Australia—including RBM—was driven by the principle of inclusivity. The 1974 Cabinet decision envisaged licenses being allocated to groups that were often overlooked by mainstream media, such as speakers of languages other than English, Indigenous communities, and those who were socially or economically marginalized. These values have remained at the core of community radio ever since. Today, there are more than 500 community radio stations across the country, reaching over 5 million people weekly.

Radio Blue Mountains has been instrumental in fostering local talent and addressing key issues in the region. From environmental activism and social justice to local arts and music, the station provides a platform for volunteers and community members to share their stories. Shows like Blue Mountains Live and morning segments with hosts like Robyn ‘Catchy’ Catchlove are examples of how RBM engages its audience, blending entertainment with community service.

The crew at Gang Gang Street

As community radio celebrates its 50th anniversary in Australia, RBM stands as a shining example of how this sector has lived up to its original vision. The contributions of volunteers and dedicated staff have kept the station at the heart of local life. In a landscape dominated by commercial interests, community radio continues to be a vital source of local news, culture, and expression.

Australia’s community broadcasting sector today includes over 18,100 volunteers and 941 employees, all contributing to the vibrancy of local media. The impact of stations like RBM is felt in both regional and urban areas, where listeners tune in for news, music, and a sense of belonging. For many, these stations provide more than just entertainment; they are lifelines for local information, diverse voices, and cultural preservation.

As we mark 50 years of community radio in Australia, it is important to recognize the pioneering role played by stations like Radio Blue Mountains. Their work continues to uphold the values that were first set in motion by the Whitlam Government in 1974—empowering communities, amplifying voices, and celebrating diversity.

Story by the Professor