1. Purpose and Music Charter

Koori Radio 93.7FM is committed to broadcasting music that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, communities and creative expression, while also showcasing Indigenous and Black artists from across the world.

In accordance with the station’s licence agreement and Music Charter, Koori Radio’s music programming aims to maintain a minimum of 99% Indigenous and Black music from Australia and around the world, with 1% allocated to other music that supports reconciliation, raises awareness of Indigenous issues or promotes understanding of Indigenous experiences.

All broadcasters, presenters and program producers are responsible for ensuring their music selections reflect the station’s charter, broadcasting obligations and commitment to First Nations voices and culture.

2. Music Quotas

Music-based programs are required to meet the following programming targets:

• 33% Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music — prioritising local, regional and national First Nations artists.

• 33% International Indigenous music — featuring Indigenous artists and music from outside Australia.

• 33% Black music — featuring Black artists from Australia and around the world.

• 1% Other music — including reconciliation songs and music that addresses Indigenous issues, experiences and social justice. An example is Midnight Oil’s White Skin, Black Heart.

These targets guide music selection and help ensure Koori Radio continues to provide a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, while connecting listeners with Indigenous and Black music internationally.

3. Music Selection Priorities

Koori Radio prioritises the promotion and exposure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, particularly artists and communities that may have limited access to mainstream radio.

The order of priority for music selection is:

1. Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

2. Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

3. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

4. Indigenous artists and music from the Pacific.

5. Indigenous and Black artists from other parts of the world.

6. Other music that aligns with the station’s Music Charter and the permitted 1% allocation.

Broadcasters are encouraged to discover and support emerging artists, independent musicians, community recordings and new releases, as well as established First Nations artists and important works from earlier generations.

4. Talk-Based and Specialist Programs

Talk-based programs, interviews, current affairs, news and other specialist programs must maintain a strong connection to Koori Radio’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity.

Where a program does not primarily feature music, broadcasters should incorporate appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content through station-produced material and pre-recorded segments. This may include:

• Koori Radio station IDs and promotional announcements.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music.

• Artist profiles and interviews.

• Poetry, spoken word and storytelling.

• Cultural announcements and community messages.

• Other relevant First Nations creative and cultural content.

Program producers should select material that is appropriate to the subject, audience and format of their program.

5. Explicit, Offensive and Sensitive Material

Music containing explicit, offensive or potentially harmful lyrics must not be broadcast between 6.00 am and 10.00 pm.

When considering contentious or sensitive material outside these hours, broadcasters must exercise sound editorial judgement and consider:

• The likely audience, including children and young people.

• The context in which the material is being broadcast.

• The degree and nature of explicit language or content.

• Whether the material is likely to alarm, distress or shock listeners.

• The cultural, historical, artistic or social importance of the song.

• The relevance of the material to Koori Radio’s audience and community.

Where contentious material is approved for broadcast, the presenter must provide an appropriate warning before the track is played. The warning should clearly inform listeners of the nature of the content without unnecessarily sensationalising it.

Broadcasters must also comply with applicable broadcasting standards, licence conditions and station procedures.

6. Music Recording Quality and Playback Formats

Koori Radio is committed to delivering the best possible listening experience while recognising that music distribution and playback technology have changed significantly.

Digital music files and approved digital playback systems are the primary formats for music delivery and broadcast. CDs and cassette tapes are now limited in availability and should not be relied upon as the main sources of music for programming.

Broadcasters should use the highest-quality, authorised recording available and ensure all music is suitable for broadcast.

Digital music files and streaming

• Use high-quality digital audio files from legitimate and authorised sources wherever possible.

• Where available, prioritise lossless audio formats or high-quality, high-bitrate files.

• Avoid low-quality, heavily compressed or distorted recordings.

• Be aware that converting a low-quality MP3 or other compressed file into another format, including burning it to a CD, does not restore the original audio quality.

• Do not assume that a file is high quality simply because it is stored on a computer, phone or other digital device.

• Where music is played from a computer, mobile phone or other external device, check the audio connection, playback settings and output levels before broadcasting.

Streaming services should only be used for on-air playback where permitted by the relevant service terms, music licensing arrangements and station procedures. Broadcasters should not assume that a personal streaming subscription automatically authorises broadcast use.

CDs and cassette tapes

CDs and cassette tapes may still be used where they contain music that is not readily available in an appropriate digital format, including rare recordings, archival material and older community music.

When using these formats, broadcasters must check the condition of the recording and confirm that the audio is clear, free from excessive noise and suitable for broadcast.

Cassette tapes require particular care due to the potential for hiss, distortion, deterioration and inconsistent playback levels. Damaged or poor-quality recordings should not be broadcast unless their use has been considered and approved in accordance with station procedures.

Where an important recording exists only on physical media, the station should consider an authorised, high-quality digital transfer for future use.

7. Audio Checks and Broadcast Levels

Before playing any track to air, broadcasters must ensure that the recording is ready for broadcast.

This includes:

• Cueing the track and checking the start and end points.

• Listening for distortion, excessive noise, dropouts or other audio problems.

• Checking playback levels and ensuring the music is not excessively loud or quiet compared with other programming.

• Confirming that the correct version of the song is being played, including any required clean or edited version.

• Checking that the track is appropriate for the broadcast time and complies with this policy.

When using external playback devices, presenters must take particular care to check connection settings and output levels before going to air. Tracks should not be played directly to air without an appropriate sound check where this is practicable.

8. Broadcaster Responsibilities

All Koori Radio broadcasters and program producers are responsible for:

• Meeting the music quotas applicable to their programs.

• Prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, particularly local and emerging talent.

• Selecting music that reflects the station’s Indigenous and Black music charter.

• Ensuring music is appropriate for the broadcast time and intended audience.

• Using authorised recordings and approved playback methods.

• Checking audio quality and playback levels before broadcast.

• Following station procedures and applicable broadcasting requirements.

Program managers may review music selections, playlists and program content to support compliance with the Music Charter and identify opportunities to increase the representation of local, regional and national First Nations artists.

9. Policy Review

This policy should be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects changes in music distribution, digital broadcasting technology, industry practice, community expectations and Koori Radio’s licence obligations.

The station’s commitment remains clear: to provide a high-quality broadcasting service that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and culture, supports Indigenous and Black artists, and serves the needs and interests of its community.