CBAA Launches National Community Radio Airplay Charts

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has announced the launch of the Community Radio Airplay Charts.

These charts will provide a new weekly snapshot of Australian music being played on community radio across the country, tracking airplay across all community stations.

The Community Radio Airplay Charts will be available on amrap.org.au, replacing the current amrap.org.au download charts.

According to the a press release, the impact of community radio on the discovery and support of local music will be quantified using Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology.

"This new tool showcases Australian music supported by community radio, highlights the value of amrap.org.au as a platform for discovery, provides fresh promotional opportunities for local artists, labels and teams and recognises the essential role that community broadcasters play in Australia’s music ecosystem," the press release explained.

CBAA Music Director Andrew Khedoori emphasised the measurable impact community radio now has on Australian artists: "We have countless stories from Australian artists about the impact community radio has had on their music. At last, the value of community radio is no longer anecdotal and there for everyone to see."

Today's press release provided some illuminating data.

Between October 2024 and May 2025, Amrap reported 250,000 plays of Australian music on community radio, tracked via their internal reports.

The December 2024 Community Radio Listener Survey also revealed significant findings: 60% of respondents reported feeling more connected to their local music scene through community radio. Additionally, over one-third discovered local cultural or music events via community radio, and one in ten financially supported an artist by purchasing music or merchandise after hearing them on a community station.

Singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara shared her appreciation of community radio: "Community radio is the backbone of artists; it allows our music to be heard throughout remote regions and communities. It’s very important for us as artists to be a part of something that promotes community and local stories."