Demonstrating perhaps again both the immediacy and the power of radio as a communication medium and an easily accessible source of information, the New South Wales Government during the crisis recognised officially, commercial radio’s part in the crisis. Listeners know the ease of access they have to their radio and loyalty plays a big part within the industry in keeping and growing this audience base.
Radio During Wartime and Emergencies
In times of emergency, radio is often the first place the population turn to or information. During the last World Wars, radio provided a quick and easily accessible means for governments to reach its people, and although technologies may have changed hugely in the many intervening years, to a great many people radio is still a very necessary way for them receive and share information. When floods and cyclones hit the many parts of the state of NSW and the country disseminating essential information to the often widespread communities throughout the state, quickly and easily became paramount for safety and survival.
Commercial Radio Australia Press Release
Commercial Radio Australia is the national industry body representing Australia’s commercial radio broadcasters. Its 260 members make up 98% of commercial radio stations on air in the country and in a press release issued on the 6th January 2011, Chief Executive Officer Joan Warner said:
“The commercial radio industry welcomes the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the NSW Government which now means all commercial radio stations in the State are recognised and promote as official broadcasters of information in times of emergency.”
She described the MOU as a “sensible decision given commercial radio reaches 80 per cent of Australians and can provide a crucial role in helping disseminate information to local communities in times of emergency.”
Coverage of the NSW Government’s Memorandum of Understanding
The Government of NSW was, with the signing of this MOU, therefore officially recognising the part in this instance that the commercial networks could play in using their resources to communicate official reports, information and directions to the population as a whole. In most countries in times of emergency, it would be normal practice to use state run or government backed radio stations to do this job, and this instance commercial broadcasters are included too. Commercial Stations involved included:
- DMG owned radio stations
- Australia Radio Network
- Fairfax Radio Network
- Grant Broadcasters
- Austereo
- Southern Cross Media
The Above networks included therefore all commercial stations broadcasting in the state of New South Wales.
Radio Coverage in Australia's Floods
The agreement between the New South Wales Government and the Australian Commercial Broadcasters reflects official understanding already agreed with other state governments in the parts of the continent affected by the disaster notably:
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Queensland
Australian Radio Code of Practice
Commercial Radio Australia reported that the industry had "argue for some time," to be included with ABC as an official provider of information in emergencies. In the industry's Code Of Practice already, is an obligation to broadcast emergency information but its CEO, Ms. Warner said the industry was, "happy to sign the MOU to ensure the industry was officially recognised as a provider of emergency services information."
Ms. Warner added;"Commercial radio stations are an integral part of many local communities around the country and stand ready willing and able to assist these communities in times of emergency."
Commentators have described the flooding and the subsequent cyclone, Cyclone Yasi that followed the floods as the worst and most costly natural disasters to hit the country in its modern history.
Dan McCurdy - Dan McCurdy is a freelance writer producer creative and lecturer. Dan is one of the UK's most experienced radio writers and producers. ...
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