Australia’s community radio sector contributes an estimated $153 million annually to the nation’s music industry and plays a pivotal role in discovering and promoting local artists, according to new research released today.

The report, Community Radio and Australian Music: Building the music media ecosystem, found community radio stations broadcast more than twice the amount of Australian music played by commercial networks and remain a crucial pathway for emerging musicians seeking audiences in an era dominated by global streaming platforms.

Lead author Shane Homan, Associate Professor in the School of Media, Film and Journalism at Monash University, said the findings demonstrated that community radio was “vital infrastructure” underpinning Australia’s music industry.

“As digital streaming platforms dominate and local music struggles for visibility, these stations act as the ultimate champions for grassroots talent,” Homan said.

The research used a Social Return on Investment methodology to assess the value generated by volunteer labour, local music airplay and artist promotion. Researchers analysed financial and broadcast data from 10 community stations, interviewed staff, musicians and listeners, and drew on a national survey of 9,915 Australians conducted by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia.

FBi Radio. Photo © Ash Berdebes

The study found that 30 per cent of weekly community radio listeners – equivalent to 1.6 million Australians – discovered a local or emerging artist through the medium in 2023. More than a quarter subsequently searched for artists on streaming platforms such as Spotify, while 19 per cent recommended artists to others or shared their music online.

More than 1.3 million listeners also went on to purchase merchandise, music or concert tickets after hearing artists on community radio.

The report highlighted the importance of First Nations broadcasters, which account for one-third of Australia’s 39 most music-intensive community stations. Among First Nations listeners, 60 per cent said music programming enriched their cultural experience and deserved financial support.

Researchers also identified the sector as a major training ground for future media workers. Across the 10 stations studied, volunteers contributed more than 136,000 hours annually, with many gaining skills transferable to commercial and public broadcasting careers.

The Australian Research Council-funded project was conducted between 2023 and 2026 by researchers from Monash University and Griffith University, in partnership with Creative Australia, the CBAA, the Community Broadcasting Foundation and APRA AMCOS. The research is being launched today (Monday 18 May) at the Victorian Music Development Office conference, Music Data and Insights Summit 2026.

Download the full report here.