Journal of the Music & Entertainment Industry Educators Association

Volume 18, Number 1 (2018)

Local Minimum Content Requirements on Commercial Radio: An Australian Case Study

Chrissie Vincent

Australian College of the Arts

Abstract

In Australia, commercial radio stations are required to play a minimum percentage of Australian content, set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The percentage differs depending on the category of station and the style of music played. This paper considers four major commercial radio stations in Melbourne, Australia, focusing on support within the sector for Australian content. The research examines if the stations are filling the required local content quota and if they are doing so within peak times of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or stacking Australian music in off-peak periods.

Currently, there is no up to date academic research available on commercial radio stations across Australia and the self-regulating practices designed to ensure that a suitable amount of local content is being played on air, in particular within peak airtime. This research aims to understand if there is a connection between the local content quotas and actual airplay by accessing radio station playlists available through the Radio Monitors database. The purpose of this data collection is to understand better the exact amount of support given to Australian content by commercial radio, which will help create a discourse around what should be the obligations of stations with regard to local content quotas.

Keywords: local content quotas, Australian music, commercial radio, radio airplay, CRA, Commercial Radio Australia, Australian music industry

Vincent, Chrissie. “Local Minimum Content Requirements on Commercial Radio: An Australian Case Study." Journal of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association 18, no. 1 (2018): 173-202. https://doi.org/10.25101/18.6

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