3CR is a community radio station that broadcasts on the AM band and on the digital spectrum as 3CR Digital in Melbourne, Australia. It features mainly talk-based programs with political and environmental themes, as well as some music and community language-based programs. Today the station hosts over 130 programs presented by over 400 volunteers. The radio station is located in Smith Street, Fitzroy, Victoria. Initially broadcasting on 837 kHz, 3CR now broadcasts on 855 kHz at 2 kW into a directional aerial, from a site at Hoppers Crossing about 15 km west of Melbourne.
History
The station's broadcasting licence was approved on 10 October 1975, by the Minister for the Media, Dr Moss Cass. Test broadcasting began on 1 May 1976, and full operation began 3 July 1976 from studios in High Street, Armadale. The station was Melbourne's first such community radio station to obtain a licence. 3CR began digital broadcasting in 2010. In 2013 the station was part of the "Commit to Community Radio" campaign which successfully convinced the federal government to extend funding for community radio digital broadcasting until 2016. Over 30 shows now publish a podcast on the website. In 2016, 3CR published a history of the station titled Radical radio: Celebrating 40 years of 3CR.
Controversies
In 1978 The Bulletin accused 3CR of being "the voice of terrorism", because of 3CR's support for the Palestinian position in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. A series of meetings between 3CR, the Jewish Board of Deputies and the Public Broadcasting Association took place. As 3CR was not prepared to give in to the demands of the Jewish Board of Deputies, they initiated a full tribunal hearing about 3CR's coverage of the issue. During two weeks of a 'Fight Back' campaign in November, about 1,000 listener sponsors helped distribute nearly 500,000 leaflets throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area, supporting and outlining 3CR's views. In the mid 1990s the station was infiltrated by undercover members of the Victoria Police who pretended to be volunteers to gather information.
Programming
Special broadcasts
Since its founding, 3CR has done regular live broadcasts from major activist events in Melbourne and beyond, including Occupy Melbourne, the S11 World Economic Forum protests, the Honeymoon Mine occupation, and union campaigns. Regular special broadcasts include:
"Beyond the Bars" - an annual broadcast since 2001, by Indigenous prisoners from inside various men's and women's prisons
Survival Day – hosted by indigenous programmers on 26 January
Sustainable Living Festival - 3CR holds live forums from the festival every year, including environmental science experts David Suzuki and Clive Hamilton
International Women's Day - hosted by women on 8 March
International Day of People with Disability – 12 hours of programming by and about people living with disabilities on 3 December
Human Rights Day – 10 December
Women
In 1986, 3CR became to first radio station in Australia to appoint a paid Women's Officer. The station hosts several programmes promoting women's voices in both English and community languages, and feminist current affairs shows. It also promotes training opportunities for girls and women, such as Girls Radio Club. In July 2013, a program by Clemmie Wetherall from 'Women On The Line' on family violence was recognised by the Eliminating Violence Against Women Media Awards in the category 'Best Radio News / Current Affairs'. Her piece used a well–known Hollywood incident to explore family violence and make it relevant to the ordinary person.
Gay and lesbian programming on 3CR has included the Lesbian and Gay Show, HIV Plus, In Ya Face, Dykes on Mics and Out of the Pan, with lesbian and gay issues also covered in current affairs and social justice programming.
Governance
3CR is run by a combination of paid staff, an oversight committee, and over 300 volunteers. Oversight is provided by a Committee of Management made up of 3CR programmers, volunteers and supporters, elected annually. The station is supported by listener donations and fundraising. It does not accept commercial advertising or sponsorship. 3CR is owned by the Community Radio Federation Ltd. The Federation is made up of representatives of 3CR affiliates, subscribers and station workers. It was formed at a public meeting held at The Pram Factory in Carlton on 23 June 1974.
