Community Radio

Last weeks Council meeting saw a huge turn out in the gallery. Not only were the residents of Worrigee out in force but supporters for 2UUU(Shoalhaven FM).

Shoalhaven FM is a community radio station that has been around since broadcasting a variety of shows with volunteer presenters. It all seems fairly innocuous, but then there is this small niggling issue of its links with the Shoalhaven Independents Group (Greg Watson's mob). Ex Mayor Greg is notorious for having one of the largest local government campaign funds in years (+$90K) and a business connected to him have been long term 'Sponsors' of the station. One ex member of the Shoalhaven Independent group Jim McCrudden is now a presenter who enjoys having a dig a council and all other levels of government. None of this really bothers me it all fits within the legal framework of community broadcasting.

What does bother me though is the very loose policy statement that gives donations for this radio station ( and one other) without, in my opinion a strong application process.

All other applicants who seek funding from council must present a comprehensive application to council that has a budget attached and some form of documentation in regards to the commercial or non commercial status of the organisation. It would seem fair to me that community radio stations should not be exempt from this process and should provide council a copy of their financial statements and a statement of the years activities. This way should any one ask why are they receiving funding, there is a solid information to provide.