STA FM staff and volunteers are today (Monday 23 September 2024) celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Community Broadcasting. 

On September 23, 1974 the Whitlam Labor Government made a Cabinet decision to create community broadcasting sector for:  

• “those who represent organisations that think they have something to say and want some better means of saying it”  
• “those who are associated with communities cut off from their rights and entitlements”  

1974 Cabinet Papers  

This landmark policy paved the way for this third broadcasting sector to flourish in Australia, alongside the national broadcaster (ABC) and commercial broadcasters.   

It was a landmark moment for the Australian media. Then Minister for Media, Senator the Hon Douglas McClelland reported the decision to Parliament heralding “a new era in the advancement of radio development in Australia.” (Hansard, 25 September 1974) 

50 years on, the community broadcasting sector today delivers over 500 AM/FM/DAB+ services and two dedicated television services that reach over 5.19 million people across Australia each week – almost one quarter (24%) of Australians.  

The sector’s social and economic impact is driven by 941 employees and 18,100 volunteers. 

STA FM was founded in 2009 thanks to this reform 50 years ago today.  

Community broadcasters continue to play a vital role in connecting Australian communities that are underserved by media. They are important to serving diverse communities and local geographies including sub-metropolitan areas, regional and remote communities. They often specialise in local, or specific genres of music and produce an eclectic range of programs catering to niche tastes and community interests.  

STA FM continues to put the interests of our community first with unique and diverse programming such as ALL STA Breakfast, Morning Magazine, Girl Guide program, History of Rock n Roll, Cool Country and The Beat Goes On.