[citation needed] Each station is a not-for-profit entity and is subject to specific provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
The community television stations operate independently so they are technically not a network (in the commonly held definition of the term).
The name originates from UHF 31, the frequency and channel number reserved for analogue broadcasts by metropolitan community television stations.
[citation needed] In the early 1970s, the Australia Council worked together with various community groups to establish a number of video production centres that could be used to produce Australian television programs.
These licences are issued on the condition that they are used only for community and educational non-profit purposes and are held by broadcasters in most Australian capital cities.
[citation needed] In September 2014, Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull announced that all community television licences would end in December 2015.
[6] An additional extension to 30 June 2018 was made as part of the government's deal with the Nick Xenophon Team to garner support for large-scale media reforms in the Senate.
[11] In June 2021, Channel 44 Adelaide and C31 Melbourne were given a three-year extension, thanks to amendments tabled by South Australian Senator Rex Patrick.
[12][13] After a new government came into power, the community broadcast were given a indefinite extension in 2024, with a 6 month notice period if their space is to be used for other purposes.
Holders of a community television licence must conform to various rules, primarily relating to advertising and to a lesser extent, program content.
[citation needed] In the strictest sense of the term, Australian community television is the officially licensed stations and their programming.
[citation needed] Community television is funded by a mixture of sponsorship, subscriptions and donations, membership fees, grants, and merchandise sales.