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<p><strong></strong><strong>Community radio, which offers
thousands of volunteers the chance to get involved in broadcasting
across the UK, is now ten years old.</strong></p>
<p>The last decade has seen the number of community radio stations
increase from just a handful to more than 230 stations, each reflecting
the local needs and interests of its audience. </p>
<p>Community radio is a not-for-profit sector, largely run by an army of
20,000 dedicated volunteers, who collectively work for around 2.5
million hours1 every year to bring original programming and locally-made
content to listeners around the country.</p>
<p>Stations usually broadcast to everyone in a geographical area, but
around a third tailor their output to serve a particular community- such
as older people, or an ethnic or religious group. </p>
<p>Community radio stations typically cover a 5km radius,
broadcasting on average 93 hours a week of original output. Many reflect
a diverse mix of cultures and interests in their region. Stations also
work within their community to offer a range of benefits such as
training opportunities, work experience, local news and information
resources. </p>
<p>Susan Williams, Community Radio Manager at Ofcom, said: "Community
Radio stations have deep-rooted connections in their communities. Local
people run these stations, producing content to inform and entertain
their local community and offering real benefits like radio training.</p>
<p>"In ten years we've seen the sector grow in popularity, with large
numbers of volunteers continuing to be involved and stations becoming a
central part of communities up and down the country."</p>
<h2>The first station</h2>
<p>Ofcom launched the first phase of community radio licensing back in
September 2004 and received 200 applications for the first licences.
The first station to launch after this was The Eye in Melton Mowbray,
which was recently honoured for its long-standing contribution to its
local community.</p>
<p>The Eye has doubled its workforce in 10 years, with all staff
volunteering their time. Other stations reaching their 10-year milestone
in the coming weeks include Unity 101 in Southampton, Awaz FM in
Glasgow, Angel Radio in Havant, Cross Rhythms City Radio in Stoke on
Trent, and GTFM in Pontypridd. </p>
<p>Community radio provides a voice for communities across the UK
stretching from the Scilly Isles to the north of Scotland. Ofcom remains
committed to helping it grow into its second decade. </p>
<p>Earlier this year Ofcom began trialling a new technological approach
which could provide a more affordable way for smaller stations to
broadcast on DAB digital radio, ensuring UK listeners could benefit from
hundreds more local and community radio stations in the future.</p><p>Source: <a href="http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/news/community-radio-at-10/">http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/news/community-radio-at-10/</a><br></p><div><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div>\\<br><br>Community Media Association<br>-- <br><a href="http://www.commedia.org.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.commedia.org.uk/</a><br><a href="http://twitter.com/community_media" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/community_media</a><br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation</a><br><br>Canstream Internet Radio & Video<br><a href="http://www.canstream.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.canstream.co.uk/</a><br><a href="https://twitter.com/canstream" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/canstream</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
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