Prime Minister & Cabinet
Social Return on Investment (SROI) analyses of Indigenous Broadcasting Services (IBSs)
Objective
To conduct three SROI forecast analyses to understand, estimate and value the social, cultural and economic impact likely to result from the Australian Government’s investment in three IBSs across Australia, as well as undertake broader sector consultation to test and validate those findings.
Role we played
SVA Consulting applied the SROI methodology to assess the outcomes created by the programs and the investment made to generate these outcomes.
The project involved:
- A focus on three broadcasters; Gadigal Information Service in Sydney (urban), Umeewarra Media in Port Augusta (regional) and PAW Media in Yuendumu (remote)
- Stakeholder consultation including interviews with listeners, staff, board members, community leaders and other community members. These consultations were undertaken while in the communities
- A sector survey which sought to test and validate the findings of the three analyses against what was occurring in the sector as a whole
- A comparative analysis to identify the key drivers of value and key insights, to inform Governments approach to supporting IBSs.
Impact
The final report, ‘More than radio – a community asset’, demonstrated the impact of Indigenous Broadcasting Services went much further than the outcomes government had been measuring around meaningful employment and communication. The report highlighted and valued the critical role community radio stations play in strengthening communities and culture.
The Australian Government released the report at the Indigenous media sector’s national conference, Converge. It has since stimulated discussions in the sector including through a webinar hosted by the sector’s peak body, and received national media coverage through the ABC. The report will inform how government can best support Indigenous Broadcasting Services going forward.
