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.