Local Radio Day returns this Friday with stations across the UK focusing on community voices, local journalism and innovation.
The annual event takes place on 29 May, with organisers encouraging stations to “Showcase and Shine” by celebrating the role local broadcasting continues to play across towns and cities nationwide.
Stations can register through the event website ahead of Friday, where support packs and promotional material are now available.
Originally launched in 2016 by UKRD, Local Radio Day was created to recognise the relationship between stations and their listeners. It has since expanded into a wider industry initiative highlighting the social value and future of local broadcasting.
This year’s event is backed by the Community Media Association, Local Radio Support, Local Media Network and RadioToday.
Organisers Sound Vision CIO have also been promoting the campaign through social media videos featuring broadcasters and sector figures.
Media Minister Ian Murray MP said: “Local radio holds a special place in people’s lives… part of the glue that holds our communities together.”
Referencing the Government’s Local Media Action Plan, he added: “We doubled funding for community radio stations to £1 million per year over the next three years… showing our commitment to ensuring the sector has the right support to thrive.”
Broadcasters across the sector say the event reflects the continued importance of locally produced programming and community connection.
Vijay Umrao, Chair of the Community Media Association and Station Manager at EAVA FM, said: “At EAVA FM we host over 15 different languages for all the diverse communities in Leicester.”
Phil England from Local Radio Support described it as “an exciting time for community and smaller independent operators”, pointing to developments around audience measurement and SSDAB rollout.
Danny Lawrence from Gateway 97.8 said his station’s plans focus directly on listeners and community groups, adding: “We’re making it not about the programmes so much… more about the people.”
Alex Airnes from K107FM said: “Local radio gives a true sense of belonging because it’s built by the people who live here.”
Organisers say further initiatives are planned later this year, including a project linked to World Children’s Day on 20th November aimed at encouraging the next generation of broadcasting talent.
