Progressive Broadcasting Service Co-Operative Ltd

With PBS firmly settled in Collingwood Yards, the station turned its attention to creating a new Strategic Plan to set the vision for the next five years. After extensive consultation with volunteers and stakeholders, the plan was launched in August 2023. Key strategic goals include increasing accessibility, broadening and diversifying content and developing new audiences, undertaking First Nations and Youth initiatives led by Board Subcommittees, enhancing PBS presence in the community through events and outside broadcasts, increasing opportunities for listener engagement including a new multiplatform website, and upgrading IT infrastructure. With Studio 5 relaunched in 2023, the station took the opportunity to establish regular video content of the livetoair music sessions, along with increased vision of Studio 3 performances and interviews. New live events Midnight Driver, Blues Rendezvous, and Afternoon Youth Rock Show were commissioned, and OBs undertaken at Collingwood Yards courtyard, Music Market, and Runner Up, and partnering with Always Live, Leaps and Bounds, Port Fairy Folk Festival, and the 86 Festival. The PBS Open Day returned, opening PBS up to the listening community, and Drive Live and Radio Festival provided opportunities for community participation in volunteering. A diversity strategy was created, and a First Nations Initiative and Youth Subcommittee began the planning phase. A technical project to replace software and build a new website was initiated, with multiplatform content and community engagement at the centre. The transition to the new transmission site was completed, with the new site at Ornata Road now fully functional with a new transmitter, and the old site decommissioned. Financially, the station performed well despite contraction in the music industry and creative economy, ending the year with a predepreciation result of $27,059. High depreciation costs from the Collingwood Yards build continue to impact the station, and a high amount of outstanding long service leave and annual leave continues to be held on the books after 2020 2022 period inhibited staff taking leave. While the overall position is healthy, the price of memberships and sponsorship will be raised in the 2024 2025 financial year to ensure sustainability over the longer term.