Who is Commercial Radio & Audio?

Commercial Radio & Audio Ltd (CRA) is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial radio broadcasters throughout Australia. CRA pursues a range of issues on behalf of its member stations. CRA staff specialise in areas such as regulatory and legislative matters; industrial relations; human resources; marketing; events management; advertising advice; audience measurement surveys and research; and DAB+ digital radio.

Commercial radio broadcasting began in 1923. CRA was established in 1930 as the Federation of Australian Radio Broadcasters (FARB), which became an incorporated company in 1993 and changed its name to Commercial Radio Australia Limited in 2002.  FARB was founded with 33 members. Today CRA has 260 members, representing 100% of commercial radio licensees on air. Commercial Radio Australia Limited changed its name in 2022 to Commercial Radio & Audio Limited.

In recent times there has been a consolidation of radio station ownership. Commercial member radio stations are now owned by over 30 operators, with 80% of the stations formed into 12 networks.

The Board of CRA is elected by the industry at the annual general meeting and includes a chairman and a vice chairman (regional) and up to nine other directors representing metropolitan and regional commercial radio broadcasters.

Membership is open to Australian companies that hold a section 36 or section 39 commercial radio broadcasting service licence that entitles them to provide radio services in the broadcasting services bands.

Formal applications for membership can be lodged with CRA. Please mail applications to:

Commercial Radio & Audio Ltd
Level 5, 88 Foveaux Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010