Who we are and what we do

The role of the NEMBC is to:

• Advocate for and support ethnic and multicultural community broadcasting
• Be a voice for multiculturalism in Australia
• Maintain and connect people with their ancestry, language and culture
• Counter racism in Australian society
• Contribute to media diversity in Australia
• Operate with integrity and in a manner that is ethical, professional, responsive and self-reliant

The importance of ethnic community broadcasting in Australia

In every state capital there is a large multilingual community radio station and there are hundreds of general community radio stations in cities and towns broadcasting multilingual and multicultural programs. Community radio forms a large part of the media landscape, with 57% of Australians tuning in to community radio each month. Recent national surveys revealed that in an average week the sector produces 2,439 hours of multilingual language programs, a 40-hour increase from 2007, and broadcasts in over a 100 languages. This unique extensive network of locally produced programs provides a vital support for Australia's diverse communities.

Policy development and government lobbying

The NEMBC lobbies the federal government for additional funds for the ethnic community broadcasting sector. Providing a voice for multilingual broadcasters, the NEMBC advocates for maintaining and increasing the present level of funding and recognition for the sector. The NEMBC produces a number of policy submissions each year to the government in the areas of community broadcasting, multiculturalism, media diversity, human rights and social inclusion.

Programs and services

Through its national committees, membership of multilingual and multicultural programs and various projects, the NEMBC supports, assists and provides opportunities to develop multilingual and multicultural community broadcasting around the country. The NEMBC has Youth and Women’s Committees with representatives in each state and territory and the Youth and Women’s Officer manages a number of projects every year. The NEMBC provides a service for established language communities and runs special projects for new and emerging communities.