Assignment One Reading a Strategic Plan

As a volunteer radio presenter for ArtsoundFM in Canberra, I am very interested in community radio and its benefits to the local community through its varied program mix and community announcements. With this in mind, I have selected the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) to evaluate their Strategic Plan. I see the benefit of this organisation, in terms of them being an “independent non-profit funding agency”, to be valuable to their stakeholders.

The primary purpose of the CBF is to “solicit funds and disburse such funds for the maintenance and development of the community broadcasting sector, in an ethical and transparent manner”. These values are governed by the Community Broadcasting Code of Practice and as such, “the CBF affirms the principles of access, diversity, independence, innovation and localism.” This displays their commitment to the social justice that underpins the sectors philosophy and operation.

The way that the CBF will undertake this is through a fair and equitable grant disbursement program during the period from 2005-2008. They will also work closely with the organisations in the sector, as well as funding bodies, to “maintain, increase and diversify sector funding”.

If the CBF can achieve these aims, I feel confident that organisations that rely on their funding will be able to maintain their independent broadcasting ability. They will also be in a better position themselves to utilize this funding. I have seen this first hand at ArtsoundFM where new telecommunication equipment has recently been procured and installed to provide a clearer signal to Canberra listeners, through funding by the CBF.

The key components and structure of the CBF Plan are: • Develop and maintain efficient, impartial, fair and equitable grant processes; • Increase funding levels and diversify