In March 2020, the ACMA decided not to renew a long-term community broadcasting licence in the Queanbeyan RA1 licence area. The licence has been held by Queanbeyan Community Radio QBN FM Inc, operating on 96.7 MHz, since 2000.
We assessed the licensee's application against a range of matters we consider when allocating long-term community broadcasting licences. We decided the licensee had not demonstrated that it had the capacity to provide the service at this time.
However, the ACMA supports the use of the frequency for continued community broadcasting purposes and recognises the role community broadcasters play in providing content not otherwise provided by other broadcasting services.
Following the decision on its long-term licence, QBN FM applied for, and has been granted, a temporary community broadcasting licence. This allows them to continue to provide a community broadcasting service on 96.7 MHz for 12 months from 8 April 2020.
