Community radio pops into Westminster

Community radio secured direct engagement with MPs during its first parliamentary activity day.

The UK Community Radio Network hosted the event in the UK Parliament as part of the first Community Radio Week, bringing together representatives from the UK Community Radio Network, the Welsh Community Radio Network and the Cornwall Media Network.

The day focused on strengthening understanding among MPs and parliamentary staff of the role community radio plays locally, including sustainability pressures, digital access, local journalism and how stations support social cohesion. Attendees from across parties heard how stations operate as trusted local voices and support volunteers and audiences who can be underserved by other media.

Nathan Spackman, co founder of the UK Community Radio Network, said the event met a long held ambition to bring the sector directly to Parliament and connect MPs with stations in their constituencies. He said the day helped highlight existing relationships and opened new conversations with policymakers.

As Community Radio Week concludes, the network said it will continue to press the Government for support. Its priorities include long term clarity on FM, the availability of new FM licences for underserved areas, increased Government funding including growth of the Community Radio Fund, and fair access to national Government advertising.

Following the event, stations are being encouraged to contact their MPs and seek support, with briefing materials available from the network. The Activity Day forms part of a wider programme celebrating more than three hundred and fifty community radio stations across the UK. More information is available at the UKRCN website.