Allocation of four community radio broadcasting licences for ... - ACMA

The reasoning process
In the first place, the ABA made an assessment of the matters under paragraphs
84(2)(b), (c) and (d). The ABA did so because it took the view that the applicants'
claims in relation to s.84(2)(a) should be considered in the context of the findings
made by the ABA in relation to s.84(2)(b) to (d).
Section 84(2)(b): nature and diversity of the interests of the community
The ABA understands 'community' in s.84(2)(b) to refer to the whole community
within the licence area. The ABA considered the nature and diversity of the
community within the Melbourne-wide and Melbourne City licence areas in order to
assess the nature and diversity of the interests of the community.
The Explanatory Memorandum states that paragraph 84(2)(b)
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.... recognises that a community's needs generally are reflections of the nature of that
community, and whether, and how well, the diverse interests in the community are served.
The ABA informed itself about the interests of the community from a variety of
sources, including:
• the Census data set out at Appendices B and C;
• information provided by applicants for the available licences;
• information contained in the Melbourne LAP, and the draft Melbourne LAP and
Discussion Paper;
• public submissions to the Melbourne community licence allocation process;
• ABA research monograph 8: Youth and Music in Australia and Headbanging or
Dancing; and
• ABA study Listening to the Listeners: Radio Research.
Section 84(2)(c): nature and diversity of other broadcasting services (including
national broadcasting services) available within the licence area
The Explanatory Memorandum indicates that paragraph 84(2)(c)
.... enables the ABA to consider the whole range of broadcasting services available in a
licence area, to assess whether there is a need in a community which is not being served, and
which may appropriately be served by a community broadcasting licence.
The ABA has had regard to the range of existing broadcasting services in the licence
area. A list of broadcasting services currently provided in the Melbourne licence area
is at Appendix D.