New South Wales-based radio station Myall Coast Radio Incorporated has been found to have breached a licence condition following an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Myall Coast Radio Incorporated held a licence to provide an open narrowcasting service. These licenses are issued for the purpose of niche broadcasting and by law must be limited in some way, such as being targeted to special interest groups, providing programs of limited appeal or being provided for a limited period of time or for a special event.
An ACMA investigation found that Myall Coast Radio FM was broadcasting a mix of content, including live-hosted and automated music programs, and news and weather bulletins that would likely appeal to a general audience in the broadcast area.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said radio broadcasters must always take the conditions of their licence into account when planning programming.
“Our investigation found Myall Coast Radio FM was not targeting a limited audience as required under its licence,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
“Myall Coast Radio FM has acknowledged its error and ceased its narrowcasting service. It is now operating as an internet radio station instead.”
Myall Coast Radio FM was found to have breached a licence condition under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
MR 09/2022