Remote Indigenous broadcasting services: licensing arrangements for radio providers

• Australian Communications and Media Authority

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12 October 2009The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a discussion paper proposing simplified licensing procedures that would apply to remote Indigenous broadcasting services known as 'RIBS radio'.

‘The ACMA identified an opportunity to relieve providers of remote Indigenous broadcasting services of a significant administrative burden. These broadcasters typically serve small and isolated communities in locations where spectrum is not scarce,’ said Chris Chapman, Chairman of the ACMA.

‘I encourage providers of remote Indigenous broadcasting services and members of the community to comment on the proposal, and to work with the ACMA in simplifying the current licensing arrangements.’

The ACMA is proposing an open narrowcasting class licence regime, under which, no service licence application or renewal would be necessary. RIBS radio providers would instead apply for an apparatus licence from the ACMA once every five years.

Currently, RIBS radio providers generally operate under either a community broadcasting licence or a temporary community broadcasting licence. Holders of temporary community broadcasting licences are required to re-apply each year if they wish their service to continue. Holders of community broadcasting licences are required to re-apply every five years, and must satisfy extensive criteria that apply to this type of licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

The ACMA invites submissions from industry and the public on the matters set out in the discussion paper which is available on the ACMA website.

The closing date for comment is 5.00 pm EST on Friday 20 November 2009.