Podcast: Play in new window
For the latest episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, Rob Watson spoke with Brian Greene about the history, challenges, and future of community radio in Ireland. Brian is a board member of Craol, the representative body for community radio in Ireland. Their discussion explored how Irish community broadcasting developed alongside commercial and state-run radio, how it has been shaped by regulatory and funding decisions, and what lessons might be relevant for those working in community media in the UK. The conversation highlighted the role of community radio as a public resource, the importance of sustainable funding, and the ways in which technological and policy shifts are influencing independent media.
The Origins and Evolution of Community Radio in Ireland
Brian outlined how community radio in Ireland has its roots in the pirate radio movement of the 1980s. While commercial pirate stations often focused on music-driven programming, community radio developed separately, shaped by a commitment to access, local representation, and public engagement. Brian described his own early experiences in community radio and how figures like Jack Byrne helped establish a model that placed community development at its centre.
Rob and Brian discussed how Irish community radio stations were not simply a by-product of pirate broadcasting but emerged in parallel, with their ethos and goals. The introduction of legal licensing in the late 1980s and 1990s provided a regulatory framework that recognised community radio as distinct from commercial broadcasters. The adoption of principles from the AMARC Charter further shaped the development of the sector, reinforcing ideas of pluralism, inclusion, and non-commercial sustainability.
Policy and Funding Structures—What Ireland Got Right
A key part of the discussion focused on how policy decisions have influenced the sustainability of community radio in Ireland, based on the Future of Media Commission’s Report. Brian explained that structured funding mechanisms have helped ensure that independent local broadcasting can survive without being purely dependent on advertising or short-term grants. He outlined the different funding initiatives that now exist in Ireland, such as:
- A Community Media Fund to support non-commercial broadcasters.
- A Local Democracy Reporting Fund that provides resources for independent journalism.
- A Courts Reporting Fund that ensures public access to legal reporting.
- A Digital Transformation Fund that helps community broadcasters adapt to new technologies.
Rob noted that these forms of targeted funding are largely absent in the UK, where community radio stations must compete for broader funding sources that are often tied to arts and social enterprise priorities. The conversation highlighted that structured, long-term support can make a significant difference in ensuring the stability of community media, allowing it to operate as a genuine public resource rather than an afterthought in media policy.
Audience Engagement and the Value of Community Radio
As the conversation moved towards audience engagement, Brian shared findings from a recent survey on Irish community radio listenership. The data suggested that 40 percent of respondents listen to community radio, but over half do so only occasionally. The most popular time for listening is late at night, between 10 PM and 7 AM, driven by interest in local news and high-quality programming.
Rob and Brian discussed the challenges of maintaining audience engagement while keeping community radio distinct from mainstream commercial broadcasting. They considered how different demographics engage with community radio, noting that older listeners are more consistent in their habits, while younger male listeners aged 18–25 represent an emerging audience. The key takeaway was that local content and diverse representation remain at the heart of community radio’s appeal, providing a sense of place and identity that larger broadcasters often overlook.
Measuring the Impact of Community Media Beyond Financial Metrics
One of the key points Brian raised was the need to rethink how community media impact is measured. Rather than focusing solely on audience figures or financial returns, he argued that evaluation should also consider:
- The number of people who gain training and skills through community radio.
- The extent to which community radio provides a platform for underrepresented voices.
- The role of community radio in strengthening local civic engagement and social cohesion.
Rob agreed, noting that in the UK, there is often pressure to demonstrate success in economic terms, but this approach overlooks the wider role that community radio plays. They discussed how community broadcasters can better document their impact through qualitative stories, case studies, and participatory reporting, rather than relying only on traditional metrics.
Technology and the Changing Landscape of Community Broadcasting
The conversation also touched on how new technologies are reshaping community media. Brian explained how hybrid models of broadcasting—combining FM/DAB transmission with digital streaming and on-demand content—are enabling stations to reach wider audiences while maintaining their local focus.
Rob and Brian reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in content production and distribution. Many stations adapted to remote production models, which opened up new possibilities for engagement. However, there remains a challenge in ensuring that these technological shifts do not create barriers for participation, particularly for volunteers and contributors who may not have access to high-end digital tools.
Lessons for the UK—Strengthening Community Media for the Future
Towards the end of their discussion, Rob and Brian considered what lessons could be applied to the UK community media landscape. They agreed that one of the most pressing issues is the need for more structured policy support and funding for community broadcasters. In contrast to Ireland, where policy discussions have included representatives from community media, UK media policy tends to be dominated by commercial and state-run broadcasters, with little space for community-led perspectives.
They also explored the importance of ensuring clear regulatory recognition for community radio as a distinct part of the media ecosystem. This includes defining sustainable funding sources, strengthening independent governance structures, and recognising community radio as a form of public interest media that supports democratic engagement.
The conversation between Rob and Brian offers a valuable reflection on how community radio in Ireland has developed and the lessons that can be drawn for media practitioners in the UK. By looking at policy structures, funding models, audience engagement strategies, and the role of technology, the discussion provided insights into how community broadcasting can remain sustainable, relevant, and impactful.
The key takeaway is that community radio should not be treated as a secondary or niche part of the media landscape but as an essential platform for local voices, civic participation, and democratic media engagement. The experience of Ireland shows that structured funding, inclusive policymaking, and a strong commitment to social value can help community radio thrive. The challenge for the UK is to apply these lessons in a way that strengthens independent media and ensures that community voices continue to be heard.