Knowing Your Compliance Moving Into 2026

Annabel Weaver -

As community radio stations head into 2026, it is a good time to review key compliance obligations, particularly around music licensing, reporting, and Australian music requirements. Below is a short overview of the most common questions raised by stations.

APRA AMCOS

Stations that hold a current APRA AMCOS licence and pay a regular fee are not required to submit monthly music logs unless APRA has specifically asked them to do so.

  • If your station has never been asked by APRA to submit music logs, there is no requirement to do so.
  • APRA has moved from relying on voluntary station reporting to using Music Recognition Technology to monitor music use.
  • This system is expected to expand over time, reducing the need for stations to submit music logs themselves.
  • For questions about fees or licence conditions, stations should contact APRA directly.

PPCA

PPCA licences cover recorded music used on air and via online simulcast streaming.

  • For CBAA member stations, licence fees are collected and paid by CBAA.
  • Fees are calculated at 0.8 percent of annual revenue, with a 50 percent discount applied.
  • Reporting requirements can vary, and many stations can generate music logs easily using modern playout systems.
  • There is currently no finalised PPCA on-demand licence available to community radio stations for podcasts or recorded programs.

OneMusic

The OneMusic licence applies to venues such as cafes, gyms and retail spaces, and does not apply to radio stations.

  • Community radio stations need to hold separate licences with APRA and PPCA.

New release reporting

  • There is no general requirement for stations to submit separate reports for new releases unless specifically requested.
  • Stations unsure about their obligations should check directly with APRA.

Australian music requirements

Under the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025, stations must ensure that at least 25 percent of all music played over a calendar month is Australian.

  • The calculation excludes music used in sponsorship announcements and station or program promotions.
  • This requirement is considered by the ACMA during licence renewals.

Final note

Understanding what is required, and what is not, can make compliance simpler. Keeping licences current and meeting Australian music requirements will help you to move into 2026 with confidence.