• Communities are the radio stars

   

  More than 8 million people are now able to tune into community radio stations  and demand is still high for licences, Ofcom’s first Annual Report of Community  Radio reveals.

   

  Over 130 community stations are now broadcasting across the UK, with another  50 preparing to launch.

   

  These not-for-profit radio stations cover small geographical areas and each  typically provides 81 hours of original and distinctive output a week – mostly  locally produced.

  • Not for profit, locally produced content

• Rich content

   

  Community radio stations reflect the variety of cultures, demographics and  tastes in the UK.

   

  For example, there are stations catering for urban music fans (New Style,  Birmingham) experimental music aficionados (Resonance FM, London) younger people  (CSR, Canterbury), the Armed Forces and their families (Edinburgh Garrison FM)  and religious communities (Cross Rhythms, Stoke-on-Trent).

   

  In total, 41% of stations are aimed at general audiences in town or rural  communities, 18% broadcast to general audiences in urban areas, but a  significant proportion target specific groups such as young people (17%),  minority ethnic groups (14%) or military communities (5%).

  • Good quote: ''Community radio stations reflect the variety of cultures, demographics and
    
    tastes in the UK.''

  • examples of community radio and statistics
• on average, each station operates with 74 volunteers who together give around  214 hours of their time a week. Across the sector this represents over 100,000  volunteer hours a month.

  • Good example/quote of volunteering opportunities and the ''wider social benefits.''

• In fulfilling their wider requirements to deliver social gain to their  communities, each station are also required to provide training and  accessibility.

   

  For example, in the year to April 2008 Bang Radio, broadcasting in west  London, delivered broadcast training to over 230 young people, and continues to  offer further work placements to local school and college pupils.

   

  Similarly, Wolverhampton’s WCR Radio provided accredited training to 49 of  its 190 volunteers – 44 of whom now hold a qualification in radio  production.

  • Accessibility in all aspects

  • Wider social gain. Also providing training including accreditation, work experience. Also ensure accessibility for participants.

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