Ethnic radio broadcasters are leading the way

Radio broadcasters, managers and volunteers representing ethnic radio stations from across Australia gathered in Brisbane today for their annual national conference.

Opening the national conference, Multicultural Affairs Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the conference theme, Leading the Way, offered the participants a platform to discuss and debate how to create community broadcast programs to better serve their listeners.

“Radio plays such an important role in our lives, informing and entertaining and importantly helping build a sense of community, “Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Being informed about our society is critical for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate fully in the cultural, economic, political and social life of our community.

“It’s very exciting to see community radio professionals sharing ideas and offering pathways to further enhance their already valuable service.”

The event consists of a youth conference on 29 November and the main conference from 30 November to 1 December, bringing together government representatives, community leaders, academics, multicultural organisations, radio station managers and broadcasters from across Australia.

President of the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters Council Nick Dmyterko said the council had a powerful mission to contribute to media diversity, enable diverse communities to have a strong voice, and make a safer and more inclusive society.

“The NEMBC helps people maintain language, culture, identity and represents more than 4,000 community volunteers broadcasting in 100 languages at more than 90 radio stations across Australia,” Mr Dmyterko said.

“The conference is an opportunity for ethnic community broadcasters to network, discuss and debate key issues that relate to community broadcasting, the media and multicultural policies.

"I invite everyone to tune in and give their local multicultural community station at try.”

Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland, trading as Radio 4EB, started broadcasting on 1 December 1979 and is celebrating its 40th year of being on air in Queensland by hosting the conference and awards night at the 40th Gala Dinner.

Media contact: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116