Community radio broadcasters are under threat as their Federal Government funding is put at serious risk.

Last week, the Commission of Audit recommended that all funding for the Community Broadcasting Program be abolished. The audit reads: “The Commonwealth Government already provides over $1 billion per annum to the operation of the public broadcasters. There is a limited rationale for the Commonwealth to also subsidise community radio services. Continued government funding of this area does not meet the Report’s principles of good governance.”

Adrian Basso, President of the CBAA (Community Broadcasting Association of Australia) is concerned that if the “abolition or merging” recommendation is adopted as part of the Federal Budget, “community stations right across the country will be put at real risk,” he explains in a statement.

To that end, CBAA has relaunched its Commit To Community Radio campaign (which last year successfully pressured the Government into filling a vital $1.4 million figure in the budget) calling for “urgent assistance” in its bid to ensure that the community radio sector gets the financial support it needs to operate.

“For local communities, community broadcasting is vital. It plays a crucial role in providing a voice for communities that aren’t adequately serviced by other broadcasting sectors including Indigenous Australians, ethnic communities, the print and vision impaired, young people and seniors,” the campaign explains. Head to committocommunityradio.org.au for details on petitioning Treasurer Joe Hockey for Budget commitment.

This Week’s New Tracks On Triple J


Adds:
Kimbra – 90’s Music [Warner]
Gang Of Youths – Poison Drum [Sony]
In Hearts Wake – Divine [UNFD/Warner]
Kilter – They Say [etcetc]
MNEK – Every Little Word [EMI]
The Roots – When The People Cheer [Universal]
Royal Blood – Come On Over [Warner]
Saskwatch – A Love Divine [Northside Records/Remote Control]

Spots:
Drunk Mums – Plastics [triplejunearthed.com]
Fishing – Your Mouth {Ft. Jonas Nicholls} [Create/Control]
Mason – Someone I’m Not {Ft. Lizzie Massey} [Central Station]
Superfood – TV [Infectious/Liberation]

Industry News


BIGSOUND Announces Music Industry Conference For 12-25yr Olds
Along with announcing the first epic round BIGSOUND 2014 list of speakers, organisers QMusic – in conjunction with Youth Music Industries – have announced Little BIGSOUND 2014, a one-day forum aimed at gifting youth aged between 12 -25 with information and connections to help them kickstart their careers in the music industry. Featuring info sessions, forums, discussion panels, and live performances run by and for young music industry professionals. Little BIGSOUND runs from 9am to 3pm on Monday 21st July and facilitated within The Edge at Brisbane’s Southbank. More info and details fromfacebook.com/youthmusicindustries and QMusic.

Port Fairy Folk Music Festival 2015 Artist Applications Open
Following the success of this year’s sold out edition, the artist applications for the Port Fairy Folk Music Festival 2015 are now open. Musicians and bands interested in being a part of next year’s lineup, set to take place in early March, can apply at the festival’s official website here. This year’s Port Fairy Folk Music Festival, it’s 38th annual edition, hosted four days of music featuring Glen Hansard, Damien Dempsey, Melody Pool, Pokey LaFarge, Ben Salter, and many more.

Queenscliff Music Festival Announce Fundraiser, Emerging Artist Grant Applications
The Queenscliff Music Festival 2014 Emerging Artist Grant Applications are now open, until Monday 30th June, and to help propel the program, the Emerging Artist Grant Fundraiser will drive financial support for the next crop of Grant recipients. Stonefield, The Bombay Royale, along with 2013 Grant winners, 25-piece soul group The Sweethearts and Yirrmal & The Yolngu Buys will perform at the Fundraiser on 14th June, with proceeds from the show going directly towards funding the next Grant Round. More info and Grant applications are available here, meanwhile QMF 2014 Early Bird Tickets (of which there are only 200 left) are available here.

Farmer & The Owl Form New Record Label, Launch With Compilation Release
Wollongong music collective Farmer & The Owl have kickstarted their very own record label, named F//O. The debut label release arrives in late May; a 16-track compilation titled Beached Friends “aimed at reflecting the musical & creative community we’re a part of and celebrating it.” There’s also a live showcase for Beached Friends, on 29th May at UOW Unibar, featuring Jenny Broke The Window, Shining Bird, The Walking Who, Hockey Dad, and Madmonz DJs. Tickets and further info available here.

Applications For City Of Melbourne Arts Grants Now Open
City Of Melbourne’s 2015 Arts Program are now receiving applications for projects that “enliven the city and engage, challenge and excite residents, workers and visitors.” This includes music, with previous recipients of the $20,000 in funding using the money towards live music events, workshops, and recording budgets. Applications are open from 5th May and close 16th June. Chair of Council’s Arts and Culture portfolio, Councillor Rohan Leppert, says “the City of Melbourne aims to be a key player in the development of a flourishing arts scene in the city by investing in artists and arts organisations.” Full details and applications available here.

Artist Signings


Robert Plant Signs With Nonesuch Records 
Legendary Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant has inked a new deal with Nonesuch Records for the release of his new album with the Sensational Space Shifters band. “I’m pleased to find such a reputable home for our renegade departures,” says Plant of the deal. Full details of the new album, including a global release date through Nonesuch/Warner Bros. Records and an accompanying world tour, will be announced soon.

Caroline Australia Inks Deal With Tru Thoughts
Caroline Australia is teaming up with leading UK electronic label Tru Thoughts. The indie label is home to the likes of Alice Russell, Lanu (the side-project of The Bamboos’ Lance Ferguson), Kylie Auldist, Hot 8 Brass Band, and Quantic. The first release under the new partnership will be Quantic’s new album Magnetica, on 9th May, the first for Will Holland’s main music moniker since 2006’s  
An Announcement To Answer. You can watch/hear lead single ‘Duvido’ here.

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