NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF LICENCE UNDER SUBSECTION
90(2) OF THE BROADCASTING SERVICES ACT 1992 – JANUARY 2026
In accordance with subsection 90(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the Australian Communications and Media Authority hereby notifies that the companies listed below have lodged applications for the renewal of the following broadcasting service licences:
Community Radio Licensees | SL No | Service Area | State |
RDJ-FM Community Radio Co-op Ltd | 3054 | BURWOOD RA1 | NSW |
Positive Media Limited | 1150695 | MELBOURNE RA1 | VIC |
Townsville Community Broadcasting Company Limited | 3072 | TOWNSVILLE RA3 | QLD |
South Eastern Radio Association Incorporated | 5170 | MELBOURNE SOUTH EAST SUBURBS RA1 | VIC |
Mountain District Radio Incorporated | 5561 | MOUNTAIN DISTRICTS RA1 | VIC |
Geelong Christian Media Inc. | 1150691 | GEELONG RA1 | VIC |
Free Broadcast Inc | 1150109 | SYDNEY RA1 | NSW |
Highland FM 107.1 Co-Operative Limited | 1651 | BOWRAL RA1 | NSW |
Gadigal Information Service Aboriginal Corporation | 1150111 | SYDNEY RA1 | NSW |
Inverell Community Radio Inc | 1150086 | INVERELL RA2 | NSW |
Bay & Basin Community Resources Limited | 1150818 | SANCTUARY POINT RA1 | NSW |
Mackay and District Aboriginal and Islander Media Assoc | 1150019 | MACKAY RA2 | QLD |
Strengthening Goldfields Community Radio Inc. | 1130028 | MARYBOROUGH RA2 | QLD |
2 HHH FM Ltd | 1150154 | HORNSBY RA1 | NSW |
Upper Murray Community Radio Inc | 1150022 | UPPER MURRAY RA1 | VIC |
Sunraysia Community Radio Association Inc. | 10093 | MILDURA RA3 | VIC |
Harvey Mainstreet Inc | 1130120 | HARVEY RA1 | WA |
Overview
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 was enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate the broadcasting services provided in Australia. The Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures the proper functioning of the broadcasting industry, including the licensing of broadcasters and the protection of consumers. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for administering the Act, and its policy objective is to promote a diverse, independent, and competitive broadcasting sector that serves the public interest. In January 2026, ACMA received applications for the renewal of broadcasting service licences from various community radio licensees across Australia, as notified in accordance with subsection 90(2) of the Act.
Scope and Application
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992, as notified by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, applies to entities seeking renewal of their broadcasting service licences. These entities, which include community radio companies such as RDJ-FM Community Radio Co-op Ltd, Positive Media Limited, Townsville Community Broadcasting Company Limited, and others, are required to submit applications for the renewal of their broadcasting licences. The Act governs these entities and their operations, ensuring they meet the standards and regulations set forth for broadcasting services across Australia. The geographic reach of the Act extends across various states, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, reflecting its national applicability. The Act applies to specific service areas, each identified by a Service Licence Number (SL No) and a Radio Area (RA) designation, indicating its relevance to local and regional broadcasting services. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the notice, but it is understood that the Act's full scope would be subject to the broader legislative framework and any subordinate instruments that may further define its application.
Key Provisions
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act) provides a framework for the regulation of broadcasting services in Australia, including community radio services. Subsection 90(2) of the Act mandates that certain broadcasting licence holders must apply for the renewal of their licences periodically. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published a notice stating that several community radio companies have lodged applications for the renewal of their broadcasting service licences. These applications are for various regions across Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.
The Act imposes several obligations on the entities applying for licence renewals. These entities must ensure that their applications are complete and include all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with the broadcasting standards and regulations outlined in the Act. They must also attest that they meet the criteria for community broadcasting services, including serving their designated communities effectively and maintaining high standards of content and service quality. The Act also requires these entities to have a clear understanding of the community they serve and to demonstrate ongoing commitment to the community through their broadcasting activities.
Breaches of the provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 can result in various penalties and consequences. For instance, failure to apply for licence renewal when required can lead to the suspension or cancellation of the broadcasting licence. Additionally, if an entity is found to be in breach of the broadcasting standards or fails to meet the community service obligations, they could face fines, sanctions, or further legal actions from the ACMA. The maximum penalties for serious breaches can include substantial financial penalties, and in extreme cases, the licence may be revoked, effectively ending the entity’s right to broadcast. These measures are intended to ensure that broadcasters maintain high standards and continue to serve their communities effectively.