DCMS Symposium – Future of Community Radio

A symposium is a specialised academic meeting where experts in a particular field convene to discuss specific subjects or topics, present papers, and make recommendations within their area of expertise. Participants in a symposium are expected to engage in focused discussions, share research findings, and exchange insights on the central theme or topic of the event. The format of a symposium typically includes presentations, panel discussions, breakaway meetings, research sharing groups, networking opportunities, and audience engagement.

Unlike larger conferences, symposiums are usually one-day events held in a single room or lecture hall, emphasising in-depth discussions on “hot topics” of research with themes that may vary annually. Participants are renowned experts who delve into the subject extensively, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among attendees.

This is not what occurred at the Future of Community Radio Symposium, held at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in Whitehall on Tuesday 26th March. Instead, attendees had to endure a run of briefing-style presentations, recorded discussions, and presenter-led interactions that were anecdotal at best, and promotional at worst.

This would have been fine at a trade-conference, but it wasn’t suitable for a policy discussion event. I had travelled from Leicester, getting the coach at 6am to be on time. Others had made similarly long journeys, coming from Manchester, Bradford and Cornwall. The brief contribution of the Media Minister, Julia Lopex MP, summed up the event when she commended the ‘Dad’s Army’ set-up. 

Organised by Trevor Dann,  the Community Media Association and the UK Community Radio Network, the event brought a few people from community radio stations together to discuss the future purpose of community radio and the development of public policy that supports the the work of the community media organisations who aim to provide social gain through broadcasting. I was expecting to take part in discussions that examine the multiple ways that community radio can be developed into a thriving player in the civic society ecosystem, rather than a bit-player in the media economy. That was the expectation at least.

However, and as little had been communicated about the event in advance, attendees had to put up with whatever presentations were given, with few breaks in between, and little time for reflection or discussion. A few notable contributions included Alison Hulme, who via video shared her insights from her research about community radio as a valued as a local resource – research funded by the University of Northampton. Shemiza Rashid of Inspire FM made a strong case for thinking beyond the model and expectations of local radio, when she shared her experience serving the Muslim community in Luton.

What was missing, however, was a strong focus on a defined public purpose for community radio in the UK, one that recognises the need to tackle the many social, economic and cultural challenges that communities in the UK face. So, rather than focussing on a couple of well-selected case studes, where the social gain function of community radio could be tested and explored, the topics meandered from international finance, to setting up a charity, to crowdfunding models. This was a briefing event, not a policy discussion forum for people with expertise and experience working as community advocates who use media as a social development platform.

The tone was set at the beginning of the event when the host, Trevor Dan, talking with Nathan Spackman who runs Bro Radio in South Wales, discussed how they had both dropped the term ‘community’ when first getting involved with their respective stations! This scepticism over the term ‘community’ was repeated throughout the day, with many contributors unable to specify the difference between a community of interest, a community of idenity, and a local community. 

Tom Conolly from Ofcom introduced the consultation that they are now undertaking to simplify the reporting of Key Committments by community radio stations. This important piece of work will look at analogue community radio station’s social gain objective, and convert them into simplified requirements that need less policing, and would allow for more flexability. This is why it is important to clearly define the terms that are used when discussing community radio and its public purpose, as these conversations quickly get rolled into policy and regulatory planning based on anacdotal views expressed at poorly organised events like this.

The greatest disappointment of the day, for me at least, was the lack of focus on the public purpose that community media in the UK may be asked to serve in the future. This meant that the discussion and coordination of presentations was reactive, with no clear thread or sense of forward direction. Had I been involved in organising an event like this (and I did offer), I would have focussed on a specific set of priority issues that define the public purpose of community media in the UK.

I would have based the discussion on specific and verified evidence and reports, and ensured that each topic would have been subject to constructive scrutiny. I would have avoided the subjectivism that comes from reacting to personal experience, and I would have ensured that the attenddees of th event were the primary participants using break-out groups and world cafe-style conference teqhniques.

I’ve mapped out a couple of initial thoughts of what the agenda should have been informed by:

Public Purpose Media

A good working definition of Public Purpose Media encapsulates the fundamental role and aspirations of media entities that operate with the primary aim of serving the public interest, rather than prioritising commercial profit or political agendas. Public Purpose Media is characterised by its commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and social cohesion through the dissemination of accurate, diverse, and meaningful content. Here is a detailed definition:

Public Purpose Media refers to media organisations and platforms that are designed, governed, and operated to serve the collective needs and interests of the public. These entities strive to inform, educate, and engage communities in a manner that is accessible, equitable, and reflective of societal diversity. Public Purpose Media operates on the principles of:

• Public Interest: Ensuring content is aimed at informing the public on matters of social, cultural, and political importance, with an emphasis on upholding democratic values and processes.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Actively seeking to represent and include a wide range of voices, perspectives, and stories, particularly those of underrepresented and marginalised communities, to foster a more comprehensive understanding of societal issues.
• Editorial Independence: Maintaining autonomy in editorial decisions, free from commercial pressures and political influence, to ensure integrity and trustworthiness in content creation and dissemination.
• Accountability and Transparency: Operating in a manner that is accountable to the public, with transparent practices regarding governance, funding, and editorial processes, ensuring that the organisation’s operations and decisions are open to scrutiny and reflection.
• Educational Value: Contributing to the educational landscape by providing content that is informative, engaging, and supports lifelong learning across a wide array of subjects and disciplines.
• Community Engagement: Fostering a sense of community and active citizenship by encouraging public participation, dialogue, and a two-way exchange between the media entity and its audience.
• Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Supporting the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of cultural diversity through content that celebrates and explores the richness of various cultural identities and traditions.

Public Purpose Media thus stands as a cornerstone of democratic societies, offering a space for critical discourse, cultural expression, and informed citizenship. It plays a pivotal role in shaping an informed, engaged, and cohesive society, underpinned by a commitment to serve the common good and advance public understanding and welfare.

For a meaningful dialogue to occure at a symposium, such as this one hosted by DCMS today, which should be more fully exploring the capacity of community radio here in the UK to address a public purpose, I would have expected a framed sequence of essential questions. questions that not only addresses the current state and challenges of community radio, but also explored community media’s potential for delivering high levels of social gain, levelling-up, community cohesion, wellbeing, educational acheivement, safe and secure communities, civic participation, and so on.

Questions I would have used to prompt discussion and reflection among participants include:

1. Strategic Importance: How does DCMS perceive the strategic importance of community radio within the wider media landscape, especially in fostering social cohesion and giving voice to diverse communities?
2. Policy Support and Regulation: What steps are being taken to ensure that community radio stations have sufficient policy support and are not hindered by overregulation, thereby maintaining their ability to serve their local communities effectively?
3. Sustainability and Funding: In light of financial challenges, what innovative models for funding and sustainability can be developed to ensure the longevity of community radio stations? Are there plans to introduce new funding streams or support mechanisms?
4. Digital Transition and Accessibility: With the digital transition, how can community radio stations be supported to ensure they remain accessible to all sections of the community, including those who are digitally disenfranchised?
5. Measuring Social Gain: What metrics or frameworks are currently in place or being developed to effectively measure the social gain delivered by community radio? How can these outcomes be better communicated to stakeholders and the wider public?
6. Diversity and Representation: How can community radio be further encouraged to promote diversity, both in terms of the content produced and the representation within their organisations? Are there specific initiatives to support stations in achieving these goals?
7. Collaboration and Partnerships: How can partnerships between community radio stations and educational, cultural, and public service institutions be fostered to enhance their role in education, democracy, and cultural expression?
8. International Perspectives: What lessons can be learned from international examples of community radio contributing to social gain, and how can these lessons be adapted and applied within the UK context?
9. Future Challenges and Opportunities: Looking ahead, what do you see as the most enduring challenges and opportunities for community radio in its mission to deliver social gain over the next decade?
10. Role in Emergencies: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the role of community radio in disseminating vital information. How can community radio be better integrated into national and local emergency response strategies?

These questions are designed to initiate a comprehensive dialogue on the multifaceted role of community radio in serving the public interest and delivering social gain. I would have used them to explore both the current landscape and the future potential, touching upon strategic, operational, and ethical considerations.

Effective Advocacy

To effectively lobby and advocate for the reinforcement and enhancement of the principles of social gain within community radio, a strategic and multifaceted approach is required. This approach should combine evidence-based advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness campaigns, tailored to resonate with policymakers, funders, and the wider community. Below are key strategies that could form part of a comprehensive advocacy campaign:

Building a Compelling Evidence Base

• Impact Studies and Research: Conduct and compile research that demonstrates the social, economic, and cultural impact of community radio. This should include case studies, impact assessments, and testimonials that highlight the unique value community radio brings to communities.
• Best Practices and Benchmarking: Gather evidence from both national and international models of successful community radio stations that have significantly contributed to social gain. Use these examples to establish benchmarks and best practices.

Engaging with Policymakers and Regulators

• Policy Briefs and Position Papers: Develop and distribute concise, evidence-based policy briefs to policymakers, outlining the benefits of community radio and recommendations for enhancing its role in delivering social gain.
• Meetings and Roundtables: Arrange meetings and roundtables with key policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the role and challenges of community radio. Use these opportunities to present evidence, share experiences, and propose policy changes.

Collaboration and Partnership Building

• Stakeholder Coalitions: Build coalitions with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, media bodies, educational institutions, and community groups, to unify voices and strengthen the advocacy efforts.
• Partnerships with Academic Institutions: Collaborate with universities and research institutions to conduct in-depth studies on community radio. Academic partnerships can lend credibility and provide rigorous evidence to support advocacy efforts.

Public Awareness and Campaigning

• Media Campaigns: Utilise both traditional and social media to raise public awareness about the value of community radio in supporting democracy, diversity, and local culture. Storytelling can be a powerful tool to illustrate the impact of community radio on individual lives and communities.
• Events and Public Engagements: Organise events, such as forums, workshops, and public discussions, to engage the community and stakeholders in conversations about the future of community radio and its societal contributions.

Capacity Building and Resource Development

• Training and Workshops: Offer training sessions and workshops for community radio practitioners to build their capacities in areas such as fundraising, digital transition, and impact measurement.
• Resource Sharing: Develop a resource hub for community radio stations to access information on funding opportunities, regulatory updates, training materials, and best practice guidelines.

Advocacy at Different Levels

• Local and Regional Advocacy: Engage with local authorities and regional bodies to advocate for supportive policies and funding mechanisms that recognise the social gain provided by community radio.
• National and International Advocacy: At the national and international levels, work with media regulatory bodies, UNESCO, and other entities to influence broader policy frameworks and funding models supportive of community radio.

Effective advocacy requires persistence, a clear message, and the ability to engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. By employing a comprehensive approach that combines evidence, engagement, collaboration, and public campaigning, it is possible to reinforce and enhance the principles of social gain for community radio, ensuring its sustainability and impact into the future.

Civic Media Alliance

Promoting a strategy focused on reinforcing and enhancing the principles of social gain for community radio would be easier if it were part of a Civic Media Alliance, dedicated to renewing the public purpose of media in the UK and bridging independent, community, and public service broadcasting, involves leveraging the collective strength, resources, and networks of the alliance members. This alliance, by its nature, would include a diverse array of media practitioners, academics, policy advocates, and community leaders, all united by a common goal of fostering a more inclusive and democratic media landscape.

A Civic Media Alliance, aiming to renew the public purpose of media and bridge the gap between independent, community, and public service broadcasting, faces various obstacles in achieving its objectives. These challenges can stem from both structural conditions within the media landscape and broader societal and political factors. Understanding these obstacles is essential for developing effective strategies to navigate and overcome them.

Obstacles Faced by a Civic Media Alliance

• Funding and Resource Constraints: Many community and independent media initiatives operate with limited financial resources, which can restrict their capacity to produce content, invest in technology, and reach wider audiences. Securing stable funding remains a significant challenge.
• Regulatory and Policy Barriers: The current regulatory framework may favour commercial broadcasters and large media conglomerates, presenting challenges for community and independent media in terms of licensing, spectrum allocation, and regulatory compliance.
• Lack of Public Awareness and Support: There is often limited public awareness of the role and value of community and independent media. This lack of awareness can translate into reduced audience support, both in terms of listenership/viewership and financial contributions.
• Digital Transition Challenges: The shift to digital broadcasting and online content distribution requires significant technical and financial investment. Smaller media entities may struggle to make this transition without adequate support, limiting their reach and impact.
• Commercial Protectionism and Corporate Centralism: Commercial protectionism and corporate centralism refer to the practices and structures that prioritise the interests of commercial, for-profit media entities over those of public and community-based initiatives. These factors can significantly impede the promotion of public purpose media:
• Market Domination: Large media conglomerates often dominate the market, making it difficult for community and independent media to compete for audience share and advertising revenue.
• Homogenisation of Content: Commercial pressures can lead to a homogenisation of media content, with a focus on content that attracts mass audiences and advertisers, potentially marginalising diverse and local voices.
• Influence on Policymaking: Commercial media entities may exert considerable influence on media policy and regulation, lobbying for policies that serve their interests and potentially disadvantaging non-commercial and community-based initiatives.
• Barrier to Entry: High entry barriers in terms of licensing fees, spectrum access, and regulatory requirements can disproportionately affect smaller, non-commercial broadcasters, limiting the diversity of voices in the media landscape.

Cultural and Societal Factors

Biases, stereotypes, and cultural norms can influence which voices are amplified and which are marginalised within the media ecosystem, further complicating the efforts of a Civic Media Alliance to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Overcoming these obstacles requires a multi-faceted approach that includes advocating for policy reform, developing innovative funding models, leveraging digital technologies to expand reach, and building broad coalitions of support among stakeholders from various sectors. Efforts to increase public awareness and appreciation of the value of community and independent media are also crucial. Engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and the wider public to highlight the importance of a diverse and inclusive media landscape that serves the public interest can gradually shift perceptions and policies in favour of supporting the public purpose of media.

Community media play a pivotal role in supporting and developing the principles and practices of Public Purpose Media by embodying and operationalising its core values at the local level. Through their distinct characteristics and operational models, community media initiatives enrich the media landscape, ensuring that the principles of public interest, inclusivity, editorial independence, accountability, and community engagement are not just theoretical ideals but lived realities. Here’s how community media contribute to this ecosystem:

• Localism and Public Interest: Community media serve specific geographic communities or interest groups, focusing on local issues that are often overlooked by mainstream media. By providing content that is directly relevant to their audiences’ lives— such as local news, events, and public affairs— they enhance the public’s understanding of their own communities and encourage informed civic participation.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Community media are inherently inclusive, offering a platform for voices that are frequently marginalised in wider media discourses. This includes minority groups, indigenous populations, and other socially or economically disadvantaged communities. Through this approach, community media contribute to a more diverse media environment that reflects the full spectrum of society’s narratives, experiences, and perspectives.
• Editorial Independence: Often operating as non-profits or cooperatives, community media outlets are less beholden to commercial pressures and can maintain a high degree of editorial independence. This autonomy allows them to tackle issues that may be deemed too controversial, niche, or unprofitable by mainstream media, thus upholding the integrity and trustworthiness essential to Public Purpose Media.
• Accountability and Transparency: Community media are accountable primarily to their audiences and the communities they serve, rather than to external shareholders or government interests. This relationship fosters a high level of transparency in operations, governance, and content production, reinforcing the trust and credibility of the media among its audience.
• Educational Value: By focusing on local issues and community engagement, community media act as important educational resources. They provide practical information on local governance, social services, and community events, and offer training opportunities for community members in media production and literacy, thereby supporting informed and active citizenship.
• Community Engagement and Empowerment: Community media not only report on community issues, but also actively involve community members in the content creation process. This participatory model empowers individuals by giving them the tools and platforms to express themselves, tell their own stories, and engage in dialogue with others, fostering a sense of ownership, belonging, and agency.
• Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Through their focus on local content, community media play a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and diversity. They provide a space for the expression of local languages, traditions, music, and arts, contributing to the vitality and sustainability of cultural practices.

In sum, community media are essential to the fabric of Public Purpose Media by exemplifying and amplifying its foundational principles through grassroots engagement and localised content. They enrich the media ecosystem with diverse, independent, and community-focused perspectives, thereby enhancing democratic discourse, social cohesion, and cultural diversity.