Following this, we conducted a public consultation, receiving submissions from across the industry. We found that live radio across different platforms is important to Australians. This is especially relevant during emergency situations, such as the 2019-20 bushfires. We also determined that a mix of platforms is crucial to bringing radio to listeners.
Our report identifies four broadcast spectrum planning priority activities to help support radio:
- converting commercial, community and national radio broadcasting services from AM to FM where available
- improving the coverage of radio broadcasting services where spectrum is readily available
- making digital radio channel plans for regional DAB+ where there is a planned rollout
- supporting trials of new broadcasting technology.
