The Federal Budget has been released, confirming previously announced funding for community broadcasting.
However, there are no new commitments for ethnic and multicultural broadcasting, beyond what Minister Michelle Rowland MP recently announced.
Despite recommendations from the Multicultural Framework Review, and being overlooked in the Sustainability Review, multicultural community broadcasting has not received sufficient support.
Sector Funding Boost is only Temporary
Temporary Funding Boost for Community Broadcasting
The government has allocated $27.8 million for community media in 2025-26, with small increases of about $1 million per year after that. However, in four years, funding will drop back to $24 million, making this boost temporary.
Overall, the sector welcomes
- $15 million over three years for Community Broadcasting
- $12 million over three years for First Nations broadcasting.
- $11.3 million over three years for Multicultural Media
Multicultural Media Funding
The government has allocated $11.3 million over three years to multicultural media, recognising its role in keeping communities informed and connected. However, this funding will be spread across all multicultural media organisations, not just broadcasters, making it highly limited and competitive. These funds will be allocated as follows:
- Up to $10 million is allocated to help small-to-medium multicultural media organisations to transition to digital.
- $1.3 million to Independent Multicultural Media Australia for sector development.
While this funding is helpful, it is not a long-term solution. It does not fully meet the needs of multicultural broadcasters, and key recommendations from the Multicultural Framework Review remain unaddressed.
What this means for Ethnic & Multicultural Broadcasting
The biggest concern is that the additional funding ends in three years. This presents a challenge but also an opportunity. Stations must focus on building financial stability beyond government grants.
How the NEMBC is responding
We remain committed to securing long-term support for ethnic and multicultural broadcasting by:
- Advocating for long-term sustainable funding. We will engage directly with Minister Rowland and Assistant Minister Hill to ensure the increased multicultural media funding is allocated fairly and strategically.
- Future Proofing Broadcasting. We are developing resources, workshops, and partnerships to help stations build financial resilience beyond grants and sponsorships.
- Strengthening the Sector’s Future. Through collaboration, we will ensure ethnic community broadcasters remain vibrant, independent, and financially secure.
Securing the future of multicultural broadcasting requires strong advocacy and proactive planning. We look forward to working with you to ensure our sector thrives, and we welcome your ideas on how we can best support your station.
Looking Ahead
This budget highlights the need for a long-term plan. The Roadmap 2033 and NEMBC’s new strategic plan focus on financial resilience, innovation, and audience engagement to ensure the future of multicultural broadcasting.
Join the Conversation
Securing the future of multicultural broadcasting requires strong advocacy and proactive planning. We want to hear from you! Let us know how we can support your station and work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future.
Yours in community,
Marianne Wangira
General Manager, NEMBC
