Why your donation to 4CRB is so important:

Who is 4CRB and what is its purpose and focus?

4CRB is a not-for-profit charitable community radio station dedicated to the over 50 demographics. Our primary purpose is to serve the community by broadcasting easy listening music, and providing diverse, inclusive, and locally relevant content specific to the demographic. At 4CRB, this includes specialty programming such as talkback shows, interviews, and music that caters to our listeners’ preferences.

Who owns 4CRB?

Community Radio licences are a gift to the community by the Australian Government, and are not owned by a central entity. 4CRB is owned by you the listener, and you are responsible for its continued success. Community Radio stations are legislated under the under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and guided by the Codes of Practice. 4CRB is governed by a board of directors and operates under a charitable not-for-profit model where all income is reinvested back into the station.

What are the licensing requirements of a Community Radio station?  

To operate a community radio station in Australia, you need a “Community Broadcasting Licence” issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The station must represent a particular community interest, and demonstrate  service meets the needs of the community within the licence area and is needed and wanted; this licence is usually valid for five years and renewable if the station continues to serve the community interest.

The ACMA evaluates the applicant’s ability to deliver the broadcasting service and assesses the involvement of the community engagement and on-going support of the community. This is why community donations to fund 4CRB is critical to keeping the licence.

How does 4CRB raise revenue?

4CRB like most community radio stations are constantly challenged to raise revenue each year. 4CRB relies on listener donations and sponsorship to sustain its operations. Although 4CRB is eligible to apply for certain funding, this process is extremely competitive with all charities heavily competing for critical funding. 4CRB receives less than 5% of its revenue through government funding.

Sponsorship opportunities are also limited, with Community radio stations only permitted to air 5 minutes of “sponsorship” per hour in contrast to commercial stations having unlimited opportunity to advertise. Sponsorship opportunities are limited to local businesses with limited budgets unlike commercial stations who have deals and partnerships with large corporations.

This makes the support of listener donations vital to our survival.

How much does it cost to run 4CRB for a year?

Most people don’t realise the full scope of the costs involved in running a radio station like 4CRB. The expenses are significant.

Here is a breakdown of the typical expenses:

Broadcasting Equipment

  • Transmission Costs: The transmitter is essential for broadcasting our signal across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Its maintenance, repairs, and electricity usage are some of our highest ongoing costs.
  • Studio Equipment: Microphones, mixers, audio processors, headphones, and computers for editing and managing broadcasts.
  • Broadcasting Software: For automating playlists, live streaming, and managing content.
  • Backup Systems: Uninterruptible power supplies and backup generators to ensure continuous operation in case of power failure.

Licensing and Legal Fees

  • Broadcasting License: Fees to the government or relevant regulatory body for operating a radio station.
  • Copyright Fees: Payment for music royalties and licensing. This is also a major station expense.
  • Legal Compliance: Costs for ensuring the station is following all regulations (e.g., content restrictions, advertising rules).

Personnel Costs

  • Staff Salaries: Paying for full-time or part-time employees, including on-air talent, producers, engineers, and administrative staff.
  • Volunteer Coordination: Costs associated with training, management, and insurance for volunteers.

Facility Costs

  • Rates and Utilities: Council rates, electricity, water, and internet connections are essential for both broadcasting and operating the station.
  • Insurance: Coverage for the station, equipment, and personnel.

Marketing and Outreach

  • Promotions: Creating and distributing promotional materials, running advertising campaigns, or hosting community events to increase visibility.
  • Website: Costs for maintaining an online presence, including web hosting, design, and any e-commerce tools.
  • Social media: Social media management tools

Programming and Content Creation

  • Content Production: Costs associated with producing original content, such as buying software or commissioning special projects.
  • Purchased Content: Paying for syndicated shows, music, or audio clips that are aired.

Maintenance and Repairs

  • Equipment Upkeep: Regular maintenance or repairs for broadcasting equipment, computers, and other electronics.
  • Studio Maintenance: Keeping the physical studio in good shape (e.g., cleaning, furnishings, repairs).

Community and Outreach Activities

  • Events: Hosting community events like open days, forums, expos or fundraisers to engage with the community.

Miscellaneous

  • Software Updates: Keeping the software and systems up to date for broadcasting and operations.

These costs are only ongoing costs to meet operating expenses. It does not cover large, long-term expenses like capital expenditure or replacement. Most of the studio consoles we have are over 25 years old, and we make assets last longer than their expected lifetime.

Why donate to your station 4CRB?

Donating to 4CRB now has benefits for both you the donor and your station. 4CRB is now a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) charity.

When you donate to a registered DGR charity, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Donations over $2 are generally tax-deductible.

If you are making a donation on behalf of a business, the business may also be eligible for a tax deduction for charitable donations to DGR-registered organisations.

Donating to 4CRB has a positive social impact by helping your station bring comfort, companionship and connection, through music and programmes that connect our community. Your support sends a message: you care about the future of your station and the role it plays in your life and the lives of so many others.

 

Why your donation to 4CRB is so important:

Who is 4CRB and what is its purpose and focus?

4CRB is a not-for-profit charitable community radio station dedicated to the over 50 demographics. Our primary purpose is to serve the community by broadcasting easy listening music, and providing diverse, inclusive, and locally relevant content specific to the demographic. At 4CRB, this includes specialty programming such as talkback shows, interviews, and music that caters to our listeners’ preferences.

Who owns 4CRB?

Community Radio licences are a gift to the community by the Australian Government, and are not owned by a central entity. 4CRB is owned by you the listener, and you are responsible for its continued success. Community Radio stations are legislated under the under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and guided by the Codes of Practice. 4CRB is governed by a board of directors and operates under a charitable not-for-profit model where all income is reinvested back into the station.

What are the licensing requirements of a Community Radio station?  

To operate a community radio station in Australia, you need a “Community Broadcasting Licence” issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The station must represent a particular community interest, and demonstrate  service meets the needs of the community within the licence area and is needed and wanted; this licence is usually valid for five years and renewable if the station continues to serve the community interest.

The ACMA evaluates the applicant’s ability to deliver the broadcasting service and assesses the involvement of the community engagement and on-going support of the community. This is why community donations to fund 4CRB is critical to keeping the licence.

How does 4CRB raise revenue?

4CRB like most community radio stations are constantly challenged to raise revenue each year. 4CRB relies on listener donations and sponsorship to sustain its operations. Although 4CRB is eligible to apply for certain funding, this process is extremely competitive with all charities heavily competing for critical funding. 4CRB receives less than 5% of its revenue through government funding.

Sponsorship opportunities are also limited, with Community radio stations only permitted to air 5 minutes of “sponsorship” per hour in contrast to commercial stations having unlimited opportunity to advertise. Sponsorship opportunities are limited to local businesses with limited budgets unlike commercial stations who have deals and partnerships with large corporations.

This makes the support of listener donations vital to our survival.

How much does it cost to run 4CRB for a year?

Most people don’t realise the full scope of the costs involved in running a radio station like 4CRB. The expenses are significant.

Here is a breakdown of the typical expenses:

Broadcasting Equipment

  • Transmission Costs: The transmitter is essential for broadcasting our signal across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Its maintenance, repairs, and electricity usage are some of our highest ongoing costs.
  • Studio Equipment: Microphones, mixers, audio processors, headphones, and computers for editing and managing broadcasts.
  • Broadcasting Software: For automating playlists, live streaming, and managing content.
  • Backup Systems: Uninterruptible power supplies and backup generators to ensure continuous operation in case of power failure.

Licensing and Legal Fees

  • Broadcasting License: Fees to the government or relevant regulatory body for operating a radio station.
  • Copyright Fees: Payment for music royalties and licensing. This is also a major station expense.
  • Legal Compliance: Costs for ensuring the station is following all regulations (e.g., content restrictions, advertising rules).

Personnel Costs

  • Staff Salaries: Paying for full-time or part-time employees, including on-air talent, producers, engineers, and administrative staff.
  • Volunteer Coordination: Costs associated with training, management, and insurance for volunteers.

Facility Costs

  • Rates and Utilities: Council rates, electricity, water, and internet connections are essential for both broadcasting and operating the station.
  • Insurance: Coverage for the station, equipment, and personnel.

Marketing and Outreach

  • Promotions: Creating and distributing promotional materials, running advertising campaigns, or hosting community events to increase visibility.
  • Website: Costs for maintaining an online presence, including web hosting, design, and any e-commerce tools.
  • Social media: Social media management tools

Programming and Content Creation

  • Content Production: Costs associated with producing original content, such as buying software or commissioning special projects.
  • Purchased Content: Paying for syndicated shows, music, or audio clips that are aired.

Maintenance and Repairs

  • Equipment Upkeep: Regular maintenance or repairs for broadcasting equipment, computers, and other electronics.
  • Studio Maintenance: Keeping the physical studio in good shape (e.g., cleaning, furnishings, repairs).

Community and Outreach Activities

  • Events: Hosting community events like open days, forums, expos or fundraisers to engage with the community.

Miscellaneous

  • Software Updates: Keeping the software and systems up to date for broadcasting and operations.

These costs are only ongoing costs to meet operating expenses. It does not cover large, long-term expenses like capital expenditure or replacement. Most of the studio consoles we have are over 25 years old, and we make assets last longer than their expected lifetime.

Why donate to your station 4CRB?

Donating to 4CRB now has benefits for both you the donor and your station. 4CRB is now a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) charity.

When you donate to a registered DGR charity, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Donations over $2 are generally tax-deductible.

If you are making a donation on behalf of a business, the business may also be eligible for a tax deduction for charitable donations to DGR-registered organisations.

Donating to 4CRB has a positive social impact by helping your station bring comfort, companionship and connection, through music and programmes that connect our community. Your support sends a message: you care about the future of your station and the role it plays in your life and the lives of so many others.