Recent events in Leicester have highlighted the challenges of maintaining social cohesion in an era where misinformation, online influence, and institutional distrust shape public perception. The civil unrest that unfolded in 2022 pointed to deep-seated tensions within communities, exacerbated by the ways in which information is shared and understood. A revitalised community media sector could play a significant role in addressing these challenges by fostering local dialogue, countering misinformation, and creating spaces for constructive engagement.
One of the critical issues emerging from the unrest was the rapid spread of misinformation through social media. False narratives, often circulated by external actors with little connection to Leicester’s communities, contributed to escalating tensions. Community media, with its emphasis on local knowledge and accountability, has the potential to act as a counterbalance to these trends. By prioritising evidence-based reporting and contextually informed discussions, community-led media platforms can provide an alternative to sensationalist or agenda-driven content. When communities have access to trusted sources of local news, there is less reliance on fragmented and unverified online sources.
Beyond countering misinformation, community media can help rebuild fractured relationships by facilitating dialogue between different groups. The breakdown of communication that contributed to the unrest suggests a need for more opportunities where individuals from diverse backgrounds can engage in meaningful discussions. This could take the form of radio programmes, podcasts, or community television initiatives that encourage open conversations between different faith groups, local organisations, and civic leaders. Importantly, such platforms would need to be structured in a way that prioritises active listening, rather than reinforcing existing divisions.
A lack of trust in public institutions has also been a recurring theme in the analysis of Leicester’s unrest. Community media can act as a bridge, fostering more transparent engagement between residents, local authorities, and law enforcement. This could involve hosting public discussions on safety measures, exploring policy decisions in an accessible format, and ensuring that those in positions of authority remain accountable to the communities they serve. When institutions are perceived as distant or unresponsive, community media can provide a mechanism for direct dialogue, encouraging participation and a sense of shared responsibility.
The role of online influences in shaping local tensions cannot be overlooked. The unrest in Leicester demonstrated how digital platforms can amplify divisive narratives, particularly among younger audiences. Addressing this requires a combination of media literacy initiatives and locally produced content that challenges misleading narratives. Training young people in media production not only equips them with the skills to navigate digital spaces critically but also provides alternative ways to engage with their identity and place in the community. Community-led media projects could play a crucial role in ensuring that younger generations are active participants in shaping the narratives that affect them, rather than being passive recipients of external influences.
Strengthening social cohesion also requires an emphasis on storytelling that highlights shared experiences and histories. The tensions witnessed in Leicester reflect, in part, a failure to recognise the interconnected nature of different communities. Oral history projects, community archives, and collaborative media production can provide a platform for people to explore their histories together, uncovering common ground and fostering mutual understanding. When communities see themselves represented in a way that reflects their lived realities, rather than through the lens of external commentators, there is greater potential for empathy and solidarity.
For community media to fulfil these roles effectively, it must be properly resourced and recognised as a vital part of the social fabric. The expectation that such initiatives can be sustained solely through voluntary efforts or short-term funding limits their impact. Long-term investment in independent, community-driven media is essential if it is to play a meaningful role in fostering resilience, trust, and inclusion. This is not just about crisis response, but about building infrastructure that supports ongoing engagement and dialogue, ensuring that communities are not only heard in moments of tension but have a consistent voice in shaping their own futures.