The concept of community radio received a boost last week after Media Secretary Tessa Jowell announced a £500,000 grant to help set up not-for-profit local stations.
The idea is that community radio will complement, rather than compete against, existing independent local radio stations and will provide communities with opportunities to train and gain experience as broadcasters.
Media regulator Ofcom will issue community radio licences which will entitle stations to apply for financial support from the fund.
Following the announcement, Jowell, said the funding would give community radio “a much needed boost at an early stage in its development”.
She added: “Community radio gives local people a real voice. It will make a great contribution to British communities in years to come, because its strength lies in that it is run by local people, for local people, about local issues.”
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