New commercial radio code fails to reflect global success
Minimal changes to local music requirements for local radio as Australian songwriters achieve unprecedented international success and foreign revenue exports more than double since 2019
APRA AMCOS is also disappointed at the failure to properly review the application of local music quotas to digital radio services
APRA AMCOS has expressed its disappointment at the registration of the Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026 by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, saying the local music provisions have not been meaningfully updated despite a comprehensive review process.
“This code is like Jurassic Park and doesn’t reflect the opportunity that’s right in front of commercial radio right now,” says Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS.
“The talent is undeniable. International revenue for local songwriters and composers hit a record $98.8 million last financial year – up nearly 15% – and more than doubled since 2019.
“Our songwriters and composers are making their mark on the world stage like never before with an extraordinary amount of great new Australian music travelling the globe backed by decades of incredible hits.”
APRA AMCOS is also disappointed at the failure to properly review the application of local music quotas to digital radio services – nearly 15 years after the Convergence Review recommended that content obligations “apply to content service enterprises that offer both analog and digital commercial radio services.” The code also continues to allow stations to meet their Australian music obligations by scheduling local content outside peak listening hours, with no changes to the 6am to midnight reporting window that enables this practice.
APRA AMCOS acknowledged that some stations are already demonstrating what is possible, awarding Triple M Licensee of the Year at the 2023 APRA Music Awards in recognition of the network’s consistent commitment to Australian music, with its 49 stations regularly exceeding 30% local content.
“Triple M always go above and beyond and their audiences love them for it. It shows what happens when a network genuinely gets behind Australian music – it wouldn’t take much for others to do the same,” Ormston adds.
“With CRA and ACMA not doing anything meaningful through this code, we’re calling directly on stations to seize the opportunity and join the Australian music renaissance.
“We’re here and ready to work with any station that wants help curating local content – we’re not trying to tell anyone how to run their business, but we can connect them to the extraordinary breadth of music being made right now.”
Last year's Music Australia’s Listening In research series confirmed that audiences are ready. The research found that 71% of music-engaged Australians feel a sense of pride when they hear Australian music, two in three want to hear more, and one quarter of music-engaged audiences still turn to radio to discover new music.
Listeners today traverse across modes and mediums, moving between streaming platforms, commercial radio and community radio throughout their day. Each platform plays a distinct and complementary role in how Australians discover and engage with music. A whole-of-sector ecosystem approach is needed to ensure local music is heard wherever audiences are listening.
“Commercial radio stations are local businesses – their bread and butter is built on encouraging communities to shop locally and support their neighbours. Australian music is a local product. At a time of globalisation, when our local sounds and culture have never been more important, it’s time to double down,” concludes Ormston.
“From Bega to Broome and beyond, the airwaves have never had a better opportunity to carry the sounds of Australia – regardless of location, genre or age. This is music that brings people together.
“Now’s the time to be excited about the partnership between these two great industries. Now’s the time to rediscover that great Australian soundtrack – from across the nation, from across the decades. The opportunity has never been clearer."
