The Australian community television industry was initially established to provide members of the public the opportunity to have ownership of, participate in, produce and broadcast programs that reflect local voices and are relevant to their local communities. However, since officially licensed in 1993 as narrowcast community television broadcasters, the practices by these stations have been more in-line with commercialism rather than performing under the very principles of why these services were established to serve; the public’s interest. With a focus primarily on Australia’s metro and rural area community television sector, this research becomes the first of its kind analysis of this media industry that has maintained a commercial practice since its conception, rather than a public service. This research endeavors to provide analysis to how this commercial interest developed within Australia’s metro/rural area community television industry and the affects it has had in their continued quest to remain relevant as a community broadcaster. Research analysis of Australia’s community television industry is provided from the period of June 2004 to December 2008.