Community Radio Fund – 2024/25 Round One

19 Aug 2024 11:43 AM

Ofcom has today announced that 11 community radio stations have successfully been awarded grants following the conclusion of round one.

The Community Radio Fund is allocated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and managed by Ofcom.

It was established to support the core costs of running community radio stations, which operate on a not-for-profit basis to deliver specific social benefits to a particular geographical area or a community of interest.

In this funding round, the panel awarded grants to 11 community radio stations, which totalled £205,479. The grants awarded ranged from £4,320 up to £33,854, with an average of £18,680. The total amount of funding requested across 81 applications was £1,542,694.29.

Grants were awarded to:

• The Beat London 103.6 – is an urban community radio station for young people in London. 
• BGFM – in Blaenau Gwent brings audiences a range of programming from a variety of genres and presenters while promoting the Welsh language. 
• Drive 105FM – aims to create a sense of community in Derry/Londonderry reflecting the multicultural in the city.
• Future Radio – aims to engage the community in Norwich, build skills, and provide opportunities through music, conversation and people.
• Heartsong Live Radio – services the Christian community in Edinburgh. 
• Jorvik Radio broadcasts locally relevant programming to York and surrounding areas. 
• Legacy 90.1FM – is an African and Caribbean community radio station in Manchester, run by volunteers. 
• Liverpool Community Radio – broadcasts a range of programming 24/7 to disadvantaged members of the community.
• Ocean City Radio – in Plymouth initially launched in 2018 from a converted caravan with a team of 35 volunteers. 
• Rutland and Stamford Sound – is focused on supporting the local community through the promotion of local events and businesses. 
• Sunny Govan Radio – offers audiences in Glasgow local news and programming presented by volunteers.