What has the Federal Government done to ensure the involvement of the community broadcasting sector in the first stage of the digital radio rollout?

Answer:

To ensure the participation of the community broadcasting sector in the first stage of digital radio rollout the Government indicated in the 2008-09 Budget that it would provide $11.211 million in funding over three years commencing in 2009-10.

In addition, the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Radio) Act 2008 amended the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and the Radiocommunications Act 1992 to provide a further opportunity for the community sector to take up the option of participating in the ownership and management of the digital radio transmission infrastructure that would jointly provide commercial and community services.

On 5 February 2009 the Government allocated an additional $100,000 for digital radio related technical planning and policy consultancy services to be administered by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA).