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

esigned as executive, director, station manager and program director of the
narrowcasting service. However, it is unclear whether he is still a shareholder. The
other Rhythm FM director has also recently resigned as a board member of KISS
FM.
Subsequent to the licence allocation hearing, KISS FM advised the ABA that it
intends to draft a Code of Conduct which will bind contractors to seek separate
sponsorship packages for KISS FM and to establish an independent audit committee
to oversee conflict issues. The KISS FM Code of Conduct, which includes conflict of
interest, was adopted by the KISS FM Board in October 2001. Whilst the ABA
acknowledges these recent developments, it remains concerned about KISS FM’s
late realisation of the importance of ensuring that there are no conflicts of interest
within the organisation, and of the potential for the service to be operating as part of
a profit making enterprise.
Laughtertainment Community Radio Inc
Laugh Radio’s Rules of Incorporation provide for open membership which is
automatic upon lodgement of an application form accompanied by the required
membership fee. As at May 2001, Laugh Radio had 83 individual members.
The Association is managed by a committee of management comprising four officebearers
and two ordinary members. Each committee member is elected at the annual
general meeting for a one year term. All members have one vote only. The
committee of management includes members with relevant experience in community
and/or commercial radio.
Laugh Radio proposes to establish three sub-committees responsible for
programming, funding and promotions. Each one includes four to five paid and
volunteer staff members, and two volunteers who are elected at each general
meeting.
In its application, Laugh Radio indicated that it achieves access and participation in
its decision-making process by allowing members of the community to volunteer to
become presenters and program producers and to nominate for election to the
management committee and sub-committees. The Association claims to encourage
participation via on-air announcements, advertisements in the press and invitations
on its own and industry websites.
Laugh Radio will appoint a training director to carry out an induction process for all
staff, including familiarity with the community broadcasters’ Code of Practice.
At the licence allocation hearing, Laugh Radio stated that it seeks participation from
those who see community radio as a fun hobby, those who want to take the first step
to a career in broadcasting and novice comedians and writers.
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