A government pledge to increase community radio funding was highlighted during a visit to Riverside Radio.
Ian Murray MP, Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, toured the South West London station as the Government launched its Local Media Action Plan, focusing on support for local journalism and broadcasting.
He met founder and Managing Director Jason Rosam, along with board members Lesley Strachan and Martin Adams, and spoke with volunteer reporters and journalism students about their work and training opportunities at the station.
During the visit, Ian also observed a live news bulletin, met Sports Editor Ben Heys, and watched the start of The Riverside Drive programme with presenter Ian Barclay.
In a separate session, he spoke with young participants from the station’s Saturday Radio Club, run with SoundVision, and heard from founder Dom Chambers about the impact of community radio on young people.
Speaking about the plan, Ian said: “We’re doubling the funding available for community radio. This is a real commitment from government to say that local journalism and local communities matter.”
He added that the strategy aims to ensure “local ears and local eyes have access to local journalism”.
Jason Rosam welcomed the visit but said more support is needed to secure the future of stations, warning that many continue to face financial challenges.
Lesley Strachan also highlighted The Wandsworth Way, a locally produced radio drama involving around 150 people, which reaches its final episode this week.