CAMA newsletter: Spring 2024

2024 CAMA Snapshot shows sector is punching above its weight

The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is thrilled to release its 2024 CAMA Snapshot, which highlights the unique value of hyper-local, multi-language content made ‘by, for, and about’ under-represented communities in Aotearoa.

Combining a survey, public information, and data from Aotearoa’s 12 Community Access Media stations, the 2024 CAMA Snapshot shows the sector is punching above its weight, creating an average of 306 locally-produced shows per month, and in 53 languages.

Key data from the February/March 2024 survey reveals:

  • Two-thirds of all shows are locally produced.
  • Ninety-five per cent of all locally-produced content serves communities prescribed by s36(c) of the Broadcasting Act, the core purpose of the sector.
  • Almost half of all locally produced shows have been broadcast for more than six years.
  • Almost a quarter of shows are broadcast in languages other than English.
  • At least 306 community groups and organisations are affiliated with the sector.

The 2024 Snapshot is available here.

CAMA kicks off messaging campaign with Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora

Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora and the Community Access Media sector are teaming up to deliver a messaging campaign to raise health awareness among Pacific families.

Targeted messaging will be featured on Pacific-related shows and social media pages for two weeks on Planet FM, Free FM, Wellington Access Radio, Plains FM, Otago Access Radio, Radio Hawke’s Bay, and MPR.

For stations hoping to secure similar campaigns locally, you can access this reverse-brief template here.

This year’s Snapshot provides insight into our core services, and CAMA created this information pack to be used across the sector. For more information, see here.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest podcasting platform gets makeover

This month CAMA’s accessmedia.nz underwent a major makeover to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand’s niche media sector meets communities where they access content.

The accessmedia.nz platform, which houses more than 1,000 podcast titles generated by CAMA’s 12 Community Access media organisations, originated in the mid-2000s and has grown to be a key part of the sector’s success.

Today’s accessmedia.nz makeover includes a number of new features – including being available in Te Reo Māori – and marks a shift in strategy.

Platform project lead Phil Grey says successful podcast delivery depends on identifying audience expectations regarding where and how to find content.

“We’ve taken a step sideways – focusing on mobile optimisation in favour of the existing accessmedia.nz app. That’ll keep working for most, but we will cease any development, meaning that as devices and operating systems advance, the app will become redundant.“

And that’s ok, Grey adds.

“With most CAMA content also being added to the major global platforms, we find our audiences. A separate app is costly, and in the current environment, we can do far better investing in adding features to the main accessmedia.nz platform”.

See here for more.

 

Award-winning science podcast returns to OAR

Science Notes Podcast has relaunched on OAR FM, highlighting the work of Otago University’s graduate students.

Host Dr David McMorran is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the university’s Department of Chemistry.

Since 2010, he has presented his informal programme of conversations with students from departments across the Division of Sciences, exploring their work, their study experiences and their interests.

The series was recognised by a Division of Sciences Outstanding Community Engagement award in 2020.

In 2019, Dr McMorran was recognised with a National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award by Ako Aotearoa.

Arrow FM’s The Human Library

The Human Library is Arrow FM’s second collaboration with the Masterton District Council and Library in celebration of ‘Welcoming Week’.

The Human Library aims to create a space where people share their personal stories and become ‘books’.

Davide Castorina from Italy, Charlotte Albagnac from Brazil, Muneeb Bushi from Pakistan, Umakant Nagar from India, and John De la Rosa from the Philippines all shared their journey of moving to Aotearoa.

This initiative highlights the power of storytelling in creating connections, celebrating diverse backgrounds, and promoting a more inclusive community.

CAR’s search for answers

Coast Access Radio (CAR) station manager Nikki Carroll approached media legend John Campbell with a story about a Levin-based woman’s pledge to unearth the truth behind her daughter’s death in 2022.

The conversations culminated in a six-part series released this month via TVNZ plus, The Woman at the Bottom of the Stairs.

Read more here.

WAR serves up culture and community

There’s a delicious new project underway at Wellington Access Radio (WAR) – a recipe book that celebrates the incredible diversity of the station’s content creators, staff, and local communities.

The book will be available to buy online and will be officially launched at the end of the year.

Read more here.

Wellington Access Radio welcomes new community production coordinator, Pinky Johnston

Pinky took up the role of community production coordinator at Wellington Access Radio (WAR) in July, and brings a wealth of experience in visual arts, music retail, DJing, community groups, unions, and non-profits.

Pinky’s role aims to help content-makers record and upload their shows, and to deliver technical support and training.

Pinky and friendly guide-dog Lyric, aren’t new to WAR, having hosted Sunday Sads – a show where Pinky and guests curate a suitably moody playlist each week and chat all things community gossip. You can hear Sunday Sads LIVE every Sunday between 6-7pm.

CAMA representing the sector at CBAA conference

Our friends in Australia, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, is celebrating its 50th anniversary at its annual conference in October this year.

Two CAMA delegates will be attending this year’s conference, in a bid to learn from our sister organisation, strengthen ties, and build relationships.

Read more here.

NZ On Air releases audiences report

Where Are The Audiences? 2024, conducted by Glasshouse Consulting, surveyed 1,408 people aged over 15 years throughout the country from April 10 to May 13 about the media they used ‘yesterday’.

The research shows the year-on-year growth of global media platforms’ audiences in New Zealand appears to be slowing, while the decline for local platforms may be stabilising.

State of the Sector report released

Community Networks Aotearoa released its sixth iteration of the State of the Sector research in September.

This latest research reveals that many community organisations continue to struggle despite their resilience and dedication to serving their communities.

Read more here.

Developing a successful social investment approach

Ākina has recently released a white paper, Developing a successful social investment approach: Supercharging social investment in Aotearoa New Zealand. The paper provides a detailed analysis of how social investment could work in Aotearoa, offering insights into its benefits, challenges, and opportunities.

Ministry for Culture & Heritage consultation

In September, the Ministry for Culture & Heritage published its proposed topic for a Long-term Insights Briefing report: How will digital technology change the way New Zealanders tell their stories in 2040 and beyond?

Consultation findings will be presented to parliament in mid-2025. Read more here.

UNESCO community media policy framework

UNESCO is reviewing its international Community Media Policy Framework. As part of this work, the international body will develop an internal code of practice, which will serve as a guiding document outlining ethical standards, operational procedures, and best practices for community media organisations.

Read more here.

The Last Breath

Hospice Waikato in association with Free FM present The Last Breath – a podcast about death and dying.

Andrew Johnstone, on behalf of Hospice Waikato, has created this series of compelling podcasts about the one thing we can all be certain of. Empathetically-conducted interviews include those who are facing their own deaths, the loved ones left behind, and the professionals that care for the dying.

Episodes are available via Free FM, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Radio Wai Lankans

Hosted by members of the local Sri Lankan community, Yasasi Gunarathne, Sameena Dadamiya and Jiffry Mohamed, this show via Arrow FM celebrates the diverse voices and heritage of Sri Lankans living in New Zealand.

Each episode brings a mix of music, interviews, and engaging discussions on topics from Sri Lankan culture, history, and current affairs.

Listen here.

The Watermelon Report

Sowing the seeds of justice with Rinad Tamimi – The Watermelon Report is hosted by Rinad Tamimi and brought to you via Otago Access Radio. Each week, Rinad sows the seeds of justice with weekly updates about Rinad’s home, Palestine.

Listen here.

Unique Abilities

Vanessa Maxwell brings you Unique Abilities via Arrow FM. The radio programme  provides information about disability services in the Wairarapa and other inclusive community organisations, interviews and information about up and coming events.

Listen here.

Two Fat ‘Fine

Alex and MahMah bring you an unfiltered and joyous celebration of life in all its vibrant dimensions. Unapologetically fat, queer, and proud, these dynamic personalities embark on a fortnightly journey via Plains FM, filled with laughter, heart-to-heart conversations, and a kaleidoscope of stories that reflect the diverse tapestry of the Moana Vā community.

Listen here.