ACMA Approves Transfer of Community Broadcasting Licence

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has approved the transfer of ownership of the Norfolk Island community radio broadcasting licence from Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) to Norfolk Island Radio (NIR).

Under current regulations, ownership of a radio broadcasting licence by a government organisation, including councils, is not permitted. To ensure the continuation of this important communication service for the island, NIRC has been working behind the scenes for close to two years to meet the requirements of the licence transfer.

ACMA approved the transfer to NIR, a public company limited by guarantee, managed by a board of directors representing community interests, in December 2024. Brent Adams and John Kenny were appointed to the board in November 2024. Brent Adams has strong family connections with Norfolk, spending his school years and early working life (including working at the community radio station) on the island. His recent experience is in corporate communication, broadcasting and digital leadership.

John Kenny is a Norfolk resident and brings legal expertise in commercial and company law, and experience in directorships and board positions ranging from innovation to music to policy. John has an established involvement with Radio Norfolk through his voluntary work for the station. Brent and John join Philip Reid, Acting GM of NIRC, who represents Council and supports NIR’s operational activities.

On receiving advice that the radio licence had been transferred to NIR, one of the next important tasks was the submission to the ACMA of a licence renewal application in mid-December 2024, in light of the licence expiry date of June 2025. The ACMA is currently assessing the application for licence renewal for a period of five years.

The board meets as required, with the next meeting scheduled for late January 2025, where the focus will be on strategy, station direction and a future work program.