Western Station Mission Statement

Mission Statement:
The Western Station was created for listeners of many different tastes, focusing heavily on the genres intertwined with country and western. The Western Station is a community based radio station, supporting the local community whilst being run for the community, by volunteers from the community. The music played on The Western Station covers a range of diverse sub-categories of the genres, from country, swing, blues to rockabilly stylings. The Western Station’s mission is to keep those listening to the music played by The Western Station up to date and informed on the up and coming acts in the local scene, as well as gigs and information about artists that are prevalent within the genre, alongside local and global news to keep them informed.

To work or volunteer at The Western Station, individuals must adhere to the codes of practice that

are outlined below. Any member of staff or volunteer must accept and apply these codes in order to increase the quality of work and for the benefit of the radio community.
• Volunteers and staff will promote legal and ethical decision making procedures within the business
• Volunteers and staff will provide and promote a safe and positive environment for all
• Volunteers and staff will ensure that relevant news and music will be released from all communities without bias

Legality

The Western Station acknowledges, understands and implements the legal framework for community broadcasting, according to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, whilst subsequently delivering a diverse collection of media services that represent a sense of “Australian culture, identity and cultural diversity”(RRR).

By applying the framework set by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, The Western Station ensures that any and all broadcasting is:
a. Provided for community purposes;
b. Is not operated for profit, or as part of a profit making enterprise; and
c. Provides programs that
i. Are able to be received by commonly available equipment; and
ii. Are made available free to the general public; and
d. Comply with any determinations or clarifications in relation to community broadcasting

services.

(https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018C00129/Html/Volume_1#_Toc512503567 section 15).
Alongside the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, The Western Station will also comply with Community Radio Codes of Practice, which stipulate the principles community radio stations are to follow, regarding the policies for programming the station(s) itself. As The Western Station holds a community broadcasting licence, the guiding principles outlined in the Community Radio Codes of Practice govern the programming polices and operational standards for the community radio station, The Western Station. The codes work parallel to the legal licencing conditions within the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, and as a community radio station, The Western Station has legal obligations to follow both the licencing conditions outlined within the Act and the codes of practice outlined in the Community Radio Codes of Practice.

In accordance with section 123 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, The Western Station has developed this code of practice which is complementary to, and are consultive with, the Australian Communications and Media Authority. The codes cover requirements with programming, accuracy and fairness in the reporting of news and current affairs, complaints handling, sponsorship and endorsement, and other matters that may arise in operation. The codes outline that The Western Station is operating legally and ethically within the sector, and has a duty of care to be responsible for reviewing their codes of practice. The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia will liaise with The Western Station to coordinate the review process.