Volunteers at the Clarence Valley’s own community radio station, Loving Life FM103.1, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Community Broadcasting this week on Monday, September 23.

On September 23, 1974, the Whitlam Labor Government made a Cabinet decision to create a community broadcasting sector for “those who represent organisations that think they have something to say and want some better means of saying it, and 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 Honourable Douglas McClelland, reported the decision to Parliament heralding “a new era in the advancement of radio development in Australia.”

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.

The sector’s social and economic impact is driven by 941 employees and 18100 volunteers.

Loving Life FM103.1 was founded in 1999 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.

Loving Life FM103.1 continues to put the interests of the Clarence Valley community first with unique and diverse programming such as Total Country on Monday nights, Rhythm, Blues and Jazz on Thursday nights, and new Home Grown on Friday nights featuring local Clarence Valley musicians.