While community radio stations in Australia have been in operation for many years, it wasn't until 1991 that the Federal Government allocated UHF channel 31 for community television broadcasts in metropolitan areas. Community broadcasting groups and consortia were formed, representing a variety of interests such as ethnic groups and academic institutions, and in 1994, temporary community broadcasting licences were granted to Community Television Sydney and the Melbourne Community Television Consortium. Other groups soon followed, such as Briz 31, Access 31, ACE6, LINC and Bendigo 41 (no longer operating).

In 2004, after the production and screening of many hours of locally-produced programming by and for the community, the Australian Broadcasting Authority granted permanent broadcasting licences to various community broadcasters (some incumbent, some new).

Community television has also made inroads into pay television since its introduction in 1995. Cable providers such as Optus have screened Localvision (no longer operating) and other providers such as TransACT in Canberra and Neighbourhood Cable also provide community access services and Aurora Community Television now screens on Foxtel. Free-to-air satellite services such as Bushvision and Australian Multicultural Television are due to commence broadcasting in the near future (while Satellite Community Television has commenced).