ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Community Radio Generates $153M Annually for Australian Music Economy

publication · 2026-05-18

Research conducted by Monash and Griffith Universities indicates that Australia’s 292 community radio stations generate $153.1 million each year for the music sector, airing more than twice the amount of local music compared to commercial broadcasters. The leading 39 stations contribute over $105 million annually through artist support and training initiatives. For every dollar invested, these stations yield up to $5.55, with a median return of $2.47. They provide 390,960 hours of Australian music yearly, with 30% of listeners discovering local talent. Approximately 1.3 million Australians purchase tickets or merchandise after hearing artists featured on these stations. This three-year study, initiated on May 18, was spearheaded by Associate Professor Shane Homan, alongside Professors Susan Forde and Heather M Anderson.

Key facts

  • 292 community radio stations contribute $153.1 million annually to Australian music economy.
  • Top 39 high-intensity stations contribute over $105 million annually.
  • Up to $5.55 returned for every $1 invested (median $2.47).
  • 390,960 hours of Australian music broadcast annually.
  • 30% of weekly listeners discover local or emerging artists via community radio.
  • 1.3 million Australians buy tickets, merchandise, or music after hearing artists on community radio.
  • First Nations stations make up one-third of top 39 most music-intensive stations.
  • Study launched May 18 at Victorian Music Development Office's Music and Data Insights Summit.

Entities

Artists

  • Sarah Blasko
  • DOBBY
  • Mo'Ju
  • L-FRESH The LION
  • Courtney Barnett
  • Amyl and the Sniffers
  • Sampa the Great

Institutions

  • Monash University
  • Griffith University
  • Victorian Music Development Office
  • Australian Research Council
  • Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
  • Community Broadcasting Foundation
  • Creative Australia
  • APRA AMCOS
  • Macquarie University
  • 2ser
  • 3KND
  • First Nations Radio
  • Koori Radio
  • Three Triple R FM
  • 4ZZZ
  • 3PBS FM
  • ArtsHub

Locations

  • Australia
  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Sydney
  • Darwin

Sources