New research shows how the community radio sector is thriving thanks to continued government support
The Community Radio Fund (CRF) was established in 2005 to help to fund the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations.
The CRF evaluation report, published today, demonstrates how the community radio sector has grown and annual income streams have increased due to the grants received.
After receiving a grant from the CRF, a station’s income increased by more than a third on average.
Over a third of stations have been able to employ more staff due to their grant award and nearly 60 per cent of stations said their grant funding has enabled them to recruit more volunteers. Thanks to the CRF, more than half of grant recipients have been able to develop a new fundraising strategy or business plan.
The Fund has also given life and voice to smaller radio stations - such as Salford City Radio - that were on the brink of closure. Now, thanks to CRF grants, they have transformed into self-sustaining stations and some have even been able to expand their coverage. Salford City Radio now has ambitions for expansion, including onto DAB so they can reach even wider audiences.
In the past two years the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has also given an extra £400,000 to the Fund, in recognition of the sector’s significant contribution to reducing loneliness and helping to level up communities.
Media Minister Julia Lopez said:
The CRF has been instrumental in allowing the sector to bring in people with the skills and experience to grow their commercial income streams.
The research also shows the impact of law changes in 2015 that allowed smaller radio stations more opportunities to secure income from advertising and sponsorship.
In the months to come, DCMS will carry out further work with Ofcom - who administer the Fund - to help it become even more efficient and benefit communities as much as possible.
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Notes to Editors