Approximately 70 per cent of the Community Radio programming is music-based, much of which features solo DJs playing out commercially available recordings. However, recent advances in computer software now enable people from all parts of the local community to give expression to their personal enthusiasms and expertise in the form of self-produced ‘curated’ programmes. Community Radio Stations also play an important role in broadcasting local live music, providing platforms for professional and amateur musicians alike. The advent of low-cost broadband telecommunications is overcoming the problem of remote broadcasting, and Community Radio Stations today often play a central role in local events, festivals and carnivals, including their own. Thus, the musical output of community radio can be enormously diverse, both in terms of the genres and the variety of formats.

In addition to music, many Community Radio Stations demonstrate a high commitment to literature and spoken word programming. The most popular forms of broadcast in this area are poetry or literature readings, but they also include reviews (e.g. book, streaming services, theatre, cinema and art gallery), programmes on local heritage and history, and culturally specific programming about minority communities. Drama is another feature of some; Community Radio Stations’ output, driven by the interests and enthusiasms of local amateur and community groups, and reflecting local cultural characteristics or to raise awareness of particular local issues. Participation in radio drama can have a powerful effect on the self confidence of those taking part (especially in marginalised communities) and provide a route into further education and training. Sports programmes featuring local teams and participants is another way in which Community Radio Stations successfully engage with their communities, and programmes about the sciences and the environment are also growing in popularity.

As voluntary organisations themselves, Community Radio Stations have a vested interested in the advancement of community development, particularly the recruitment and training of volunteers. Community radio has been estimated to provide over 12,500 volunteering opportunities and 15,000 hours of original radio across the UK per week. The benefits accruing to local individuals who volunteer at Community Radio Stations range from fun, personal satisfaction and self-fulfilment to greater involvement in the community and a sense of ‘giving something back’. There is strong anecdotal evidence that many volunteers working in community radio go on to pursue a related career in ‘mainstream’ media.

Community Radio Stations cannot function without training its largely voluntary workforce. Radio Bath aims to provide support and opportunities for more than just its own volunteers, however. We seek to engage with, promote and help fundraise on behalf of local community groups and charities, sharing stories of their work and building links to individuals and businesses in the local area who can assist them with volunteering, donations and fundraising activities.

The social ‘reach’ of community radio is potentially enormous. As the Community Media Association (CMA) notes: Groups and individuals feeling excluded can bring their stories to a wider world. Young people who did not succeed at school can tackle literacy issues through media education. Diverse communities can be served with appropriate and culturally sensitive information. Fragile communities can be strengthened through genuine community broadcasting. [CMA., Response to Scotland’s Draft Culture Bill, 2007.

A report on the future role of the third sector in social and economic regeneration from the Treasury draws attention to the role of community radio in providing employment and supporting community cohesion. [HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, ‘The future role of the third sector in social and economic regeneration – interim report’, 2006.] In addition, as Radio Bath is able to establish its own operations, we aim to support other local radio stations in the wider area with shared programme content, training, equipment, licences, access to broadcasting infrastructure and fundraising.