About 3CR

What kind of radio station is 3CR? Find out who's involved and our radical history.

About 3CR

3CR is a dynamic, community hub that has produced radio for over 30 years.

We live in an old rabbit warren of a terrace building in Melbourne covered in graffiti murals by well known artist PHIBS.

3CR broadcasters present over 130 radio programs every week and listeners can tune in on 855AM, stream live through the web or download podcasts of our shows.

The radio station was established in 1976 to provide a voice for those denied access to the mass media, particularly the working class, women, Indigenous people and the many community groups and community issues discriminated against in and by the mass media.

Activism

Many 3CR broadcasters are community activists and therefore uniquely placed to present alternative current affairs, news and views.

3CR stages a number of special broadcasts annually to promote human rights issues including Indigenous rights, women’s rights and worker’s rights.

When major social justice events are happening in Melbourne such as strikes, rallies and demonstrations 3CR is usually the first place socially justice minded people tune into. Read about our 3CRStory below.

Community

Around 300 volunteer programmers present more than 130 programs that go to air each week. The station broadcasts in approximately 20 languages (see what languages are currently spoken on air) including English, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Unlike almost all other media organisations in Australia, 3CR is genuinely owned by the community - by the groups and individuals who broadcast, and by the people who listen to the station.

Find out about volunteering.

Music

3CR actively discriminates in favour of Australian artists and composers, and plays at least 55% Australian music.

Programming

3CR provides programming of interest to a broad general audience and to specific interests groups. The expertise of presenters comes from their involvement in issues and their activism in the community. Groups broadcasting on 3CR cover the areas of social justice, the environment, ethnic communities, the arts and music, and trade unions.

Read more about programming.

Finances

3CR is financially independent, relying on memberships and donations for financial support. We do not advertise, nor do our programmes rely on commercial sponsorship (effectively this is advertising). Government funding is accepted in the form of one-off grants for specific projects or programs.

Organisation

3CR is owned by the Community Radio Federation Ltd., which is made up of Affiliate, Station Worker and Subscriber representatives. An elected management committee is responsible for policy development, correspondence and reports, the budget, and employment of staff.