A landmark ARC-funded study led by Monash University and Griffith University finds Australian community radio stations contribute more than 153 million dollars annually to the national music economy, acting as a key engine for discovering and developing local artists.

The study shows community radio broadcasts more than twice as much Australian music as commercial networks and serves as a pivotal discovery platform for emerging local talent.

Researchers used a Social Return on Investment framework, drawing on a nationally representative survey of nearly 10,000 people, data from 10 case-study stations, and interviews with staff, listeners, and musicians.

The sector also functions as a training pathway for future media workers, with volunteers at 10 case-study stations contributing about 136,687 hours annually and receiving training equivalent to a one-year Diploma.

Among listeners, about 28% search for an artist on platforms like Spotify after hearing them on community radio, while 19% share or recommend artists to friends online.

Notable artists such as Sarah Blasko, Courtney Barnett, Amyl and the Sniffers, and Sampa the Great built early momentum through community radio support, underscoring its role in artist development.

Experts urge recognizing community broadcasting as essential infrastructure within Australia’s creative industries and advocate for long-term strategic investment from government and industry bodies.

The report concludes that community radio remains essential for sustaining Australian artists, audiences, and the pipeline of industry talent.

First Nations stations play a major role, accounting for about one-third of the country’s top 39 most music-intensive stations, highlighting representation, belonging, and development within Indigenous communities.

Across the three-year study of 292 stations, the top 39 high-intensity stations alone contribute over 105 million dollars annually, with value stemming from music discovery, artist promotion, live opportunities, training, and audience engagement.

Economic returns show that for every dollar invested in community music radio, stations generate up to 5.55 dollars in returns, with a median around 2.47 for leading stations.

Approximately 1.3 million Australians purchase gig tickets, merchandise, or music each year after hearing artists on community radio, and about 30% of weekly listeners discover a local or emerging artist through the sector, with 19% going on to share or recommend Australian music.