The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced that applications for funding through the Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP) for 2013-14 are now open.
“The IBP supports a wide range of Indigenous media organisations that provide unique and valuable services to Indigenous communities throughout Australia,” Senator Conroy said.
“The program currently supports the operational and technical costs of urban, regional and remote Indigenous radio stations, including for broadcasting, training and content production.
“The Indigenous broadcasting and media sector helps build safe and supportive communities and plays a critical role in promoting indigenous languages, culture and wellbeing and distributing local messages effectively.
“Indigenous radio services are often the only locally based services for remote communities and provide the only immediate method to convey messages in local languages during emergencies.
“The Indigenous broadcasting sector also supports Indigenous economic participation through the provision of jobs and training and has been identified as critical to Closing the Gap.
The Government is providing $15.8 million to the IBP in 2013-14. Applications for the 2013-14 funding round will close on 1 February 2013 and will be assessed against the published program guidelines and assessment criteria.