Balancing journalism education and community radio news: A ‘bittersweet’ paradox

Abstract

The Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice (the Codes) play an important role in shaping what Australians listen to and how they engage with their local community radio station. In a sector defined by grassroots participation and a non-professional, volunteer workforce, the Codes aim to model best practice in terms of content, community participation and governance. Several sections apply specifically to news and current affairs (NCAF) coverage, yet there is no independent research that explores the sector’s alignment with the Codes in this area. Drawing on a content analysis of 572 community radio NCAF stories broadcast on nationally syndicated programmes, and interviews with journalists and news producers, this research sought to critically analyse NCAF coverage on community radio in light of the Codes of Practice. The results of the research suggest that NCAF coverage on community radio broadly aligns with the Codes of Practice, yet there are mixed interpretations of what can be considered ‘views not adequately represented’ elsewhere. Part of this uncertainty stems from the reliance on media students as volunteer journalists. This article interrogates this tension between the sector’s role as an informal ‘training ground’ for aspiring media workers and its remit to provide alternative NCAF coverage.