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Encyclopedia > Community radio

Community radio is a type of radio service that caters to the interests of a certain area, broadcasting material that is popular to a local audience but is overlooked by more powerful broadcast groups. The term has somewhat different meanings in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the UK, it originated in the many illegal pirate radio stations that came about from the influx of Afro-Caribbean migrants in cities such as London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester in the 1970s. Therefore, "community radio" remains synonymous with "pirate radio" for many people there. In America, community radio is more commonly non-profit and non-commercial, often using licensed class D FM band transmitters, although pirate radio outlets have been operated in many places. Canadian and Australian community stations operate somewhat similarly to their American counterparts. The term pirate radio lacks a specific universal interpretation. ... Afro-Caribbean may refer to: the British Afro-Caribbean community other members of the African diaspora in or from the Carribean This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated with the same title. ... London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom, and is the most populous city in the European Union. ... The city from above Centenary Square. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Greater Bristol. ... Manchester is a city in England, considered by many to be the countrys second city [1][2]. It is a centre of the arts, the media, higher education and big business. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, inclusive. ... A non-profit organization (often called non-profit org or simply non-profit or not-for-profit) can be seen as an organization that doesnt have a goal to make a profit. ... A non-commercial enterprise is work that values other considerations above and beyond that of making a profit. ... This is the list of broadcast station classes. ... In most of the world, the FM broadcast band, used for broadcasting FM radio stations, goes from 87. ...

Contents


Vision, philosophy, and status

Modern-day community radio stations often serve their listeners by offering a variety of music selections that are not necessarily catered for by larger corporate radio stations. Community radio outlets may also carry news and information programming geared toward the local area, particularly immigrant or minority groups that are poorly served by other media outlets. Unfortunately, when these broadcasters are illegal pirate radio outlets, they sometimes refuse to respect other legal radio stations and other entities, such as emergency services, and interfere with their transmissions. This can give community stations and conscientious pirate stations an unwarranted disreputable image. Pirate radio stations can apply for a broadcasting licence but they will usually need to go off air for a time to present a legal case. Community stations and pirate stations (where they are tolerated) can be valuable assets for a region. Community radio stations are aligned with communities rather than corporations. News is new information or current events. ... Immigration is the act of moving to or settling in another country or region, temporarily or permanently. ... The definition of a minority group can vary, depending on specific context, but generally refers to either a sociological sub-group that does not form either a majority or a plurality of the total population, or a group that, while not necessarily a numerical minority, is disadvantaged or otherwise has...


Conceptions of community in the literature

Models of community radio

Philosophically we can see two distinct approaches to community radio, though the models are not necessarily mutually exclusive. One stresses service or community model - focused on what the station can do for the community. The other stresses involvement and participation.


Within the service model localism is often prized, as community radio, as a third tier, can provide content focused on a more local or particular community than larger operations. Sometimes, though, the provision of syndicated content that is not already available within the station's service area, is seen as a desirable form of service. Within the United States, for example, many stations syndicate content from groups such as Radio, such as Democracy Now!, on the basis that it provides a form of content not otherwise available.


Within the access or participatory model, the participation of community members in producing content is seen as a good in itself. While this model does not necessarily exclude a service approach, there is a tension between the two, as outlined, for example, in Jon Bekken's Community Radio at the Crossroads.


Growth in the area

Examples by geographic area

Australia

In Australia, community radio is structured similarly to the United States, where stations operate as non-profit organisations, generally funded through sponsorship and listener subscriptions. One of the most successful Australian community radio stations is Melbourne's 3RRR. Like commercial radio stations, community stations need to apply to Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for a license to broadcast. 3RRR (pronounced Three Triple R, or simply Triple R) is arguably Australias best known community radio station, based in Melbourne. ... Australian Communications and Media Authority is an Australian government agency whose main roles are to regulate broadcasting, radiocommunications and telecommunications, and to respresent Australian interests in international communications matters. ...


Contributing factors to the creation of community radio in Australia include the frustration felt by Vietnam War protestors at the mainstream media, classical music aficionados counteracting government inaction on the introduction of FM broadcasting and universities who wanted to explore the educational potential of radio.


Existing to support and represent community stations nationally is the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA), which provides advice, assistance and also a satellite network so that stations can share content. A comprehensive list of Australian community broadcasters, and other information is available from CBOnline which also hosts a history of the Australian sector, "Diversity On The Airwaves". The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) is the national representative organisation for community radio and television stations (e. ...


Melbourne

There are many community radio stations within Melbourne, typically covering a shire or municipality. Melbourne is the state capital and largest city in the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-largest city in Australia, with a population of approximately 3. ... Melbourne is the state capital and largest city in the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-largest city in Australia, with a population of approximately 3. ... Municipalities of Greater Melbourne City of Banyule City of Bayside City of Boroondara City of Brimbank Shire of Cardinia City of Casey City of Darebin City of Frankston City of Glen Eira City of Greater Dandenong City of Hobsons Bay City of Hume City of Kingston City of Knox City...


Many of the outer regional community radio stations exist as an Emergency Broadcasting Station as well as a community radio station.


3MDR is one example, as it broadcasts in an area prone to devastating bushfire. 3MDR General 3MDR is one of many Community Radio stations which broadcast in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ... Backburning in Townsville, Australia to prevent bushfires. ...


Hobart

There are 4 community radio stations servicing Hobart. They are: Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. ... Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. ...

RPH Australia is a network of broadcast radio stations in Australian state capital cities and some major country urban centres that serve people who, for any reason, are unable to access printed material. ... Hobart FM Incorporated applied for and was granted a Public Radio Licence in 1977 under the auspices of the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education at Mt. ... Community radio is a type of radio service that caters to the interests of a certain area, broadcasting material that is popular to a local audience but is overlooked by more powerful broadcast groups. ... Edge Radio is a community radio station situated in the Australian city of Hobart. ... Community radio is a type of radio service that caters to the interests of a certain area, broadcasting material that is popular to a local audience but is overlooked by more powerful broadcast groups. ... The ultra106five logo ultra106five is a not for profit, Christian, FM radio station in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. ... Christian radio is a radio format that focuses on transmitting programming with a Christian message. ...

Canada

Community radio stations in Canada are also similar in format to American community stations. Most commonly, Canadian community radio stations target commercially underserved minority language communities such as Franco-Ontarians, Acadians or the First Nations, although some small communities also have English language community stations. Community radio stations are most commonly operated by cooperatives. Franco-Ontarians (French: Franco-ontarien) are French Canadian or francophone residents of the Canadian province of Ontario. ... The Acadians (French: Acadiens) are the descendants of the original French settlers of parts of the northeastern region of North America comprising what is now the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. ... First Nations is a term of ethnicity used in Canada. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... A cooperative (also co-operative or co-op) is an association of persons who join together or co-operate, to carry on an economic activity of mutual benefit. ...


In larger cities, community-oriented programming more commonly airs on campus radio stations. Some cities do, however, have community radio stations as well. Most community stations in Canada are members of the National Campus and Community Radio Association, or NCRA. Campus radio (also known as college radio, university radio or student radio) is a type of radio station that is run by the students of a college, university or other educational institution. ... The National Campus and Community Radio Association/LAssociation nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires (NCRA/ANREC) is a non-profit organization of campus radio and community radio stations in Canada. ...


The province with the largest number of community radio stations in Canada is Saskatchewan. The majority of those stations are affiliated with Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation, an aboriginal public radio network. Motto: Multis E Gentibus Vires (Latin: From many peoples, strength) Official languages English Flower Western Red Lily Capital Regina Largest city Saskatoon Lieutenant-Governor Gordon Barnhart Premier Lorne Calvert (NDP) Parliamentary representation  - House seat  - Senate seats 14 6 Area Total  - Land  - Water    (% of total)  Ranked 7th 651,036 km² 591... Logo of the Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation. ... Aboriginal peoples in Canada are indigenous peoples recognized in the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982 as Indians (First Nations), Métis, and Inuit. ... Public broadcasting (also known as public service broadcasting or PSB) is the dominant form of broadcasting around the world, where radio, television, and potentially other electronic media outlets receive funding from the public. ...


India

In India, the campaign to legitimise community radio has been going on since almost the past decade. The Supreme Court of India ruled in judgement of 1995 that "airwaves are public property" came as an inspiration to groups across the country, but so far only educational (campus) radio stations have been allowed, under somewhat stringent conditions. First Indian Campus Community Radio The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of the land as established by Part V, Chapter IV of the Constitution of India. ...


Anna FM is India's first campus community radio which is run by Education and MultiMedia Research Centre (EM²RC) and all programmes are produced by the students of Media Sciences Anna University

 " Idhu samudhaya vanoli samudhayathirkana vanoli samudhayam panguperum vanoli " 

Ireland

Ireland has had self-described community radio stations since the late 1970s, though it was not until 1995 that the first 11 licensed stations came on air as part of a pilot project run by the Independent Radio and Television Commission. Early stations were represented by the National Association of Community-Radio Broadcasters, which in 1988 published a guide to setting up new stations. More recently licensed stations have formed CRAOL as a representative group. The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) is the regulator of the commercial broadcasting sector in Ireland. ... CRAOL (The Irish word for broadcast) is the name given to the Community Radio Forum of Ireland. ...


United Kingdom

"Community radio" has recently been taken up by the radio industry regulator Ofcom as the name for the new 'third tier' of the UK radio industry. The idea for this new level of radio broadcasting was piloted by the Radio Authority (now Ofcom) in 2002 with the licensing of 15 "Access radio" stations (now superseded by "community radio"). The one-year licenses were extended in 2003 for a further year, and in 2004 a consultation was issued by Ofcom on the creation of community radio. The first full licences for Community Radio stations in the UK were issued in 2005. The Office of Communications, usually known as Ofcom, is the UKs communications regulator. ... The radio industry is a generic term for any companies or public service providers who are involved with the broadcast of radio stations or ancilliary services. ... The Office of Communications, usually known as Ofcom, is the UKs communications regulator. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...


Community radio stations are usually limited to broadcast areas smaller than commercial or BBC local stations, usually within 5 kilometres (km) of their transmitter. They focus on a specific community (such as an ethnic minority group) or on a range of listeners inside their small broadcast area. Their job is to benefit communities rather than make a profit.


In order to get a community radio licence, applicants must demonstrate that the proposed station will meet the needs of a specified target community, together with required "social gain" objectives set out in the application.


A target community can be defined either by geography or by reference to a particular sub-community in an area, otherwise known as a "community of interest". A geographic community can be any defined local area, particularly those which would not sustain a fully commercial broadcaster. A community of interest can be any identifiable local community; existing Community stations are aimed at groups as diverse as the elderly, religious groups such as Christian and Muslim, lifestyle groups such as gay and transgender and cultural/recreational groups such as artists.


Community stations are not permitted to raise more than 50% of operating costs through on-air advertising and/or sponsorship; the remainder of operating income must be met through other sources. This can include public funding via grants, donor income, lottery funding or charities.


Alternative methods of broadcasting include short-period licences, known as Restricted Service Licences, allowing community groups and special events to run local area low power stations for up to 28 days, and webcasting. A UK Restricted Service Licence (often called an RSL), is granted by British broadcasting authority Ofcom to radio stations serving a local community or a special event. ... A webcast is similar in intent to a broadcast television program but designed for internet transmission. ...


The Access Radio Pilot

The Access Radio Pilot, initiated by the UK Radio Authority, was designed to test the demand for community radio and to see whether such small-scale radio broadcasting projects were feasible. Some of the projects targeted a particular community of interest, ranging from religious and minority groups to children and older people, others such as Manchester's ALL FM and WythenshaweFM targeted geographical communities.


Access Stations included:

See http://ofcom.org.uk for downloads of the two New Voices evaluation reports of the scheme logo Resonance 104. ... London Musicians Collective is a charity devoted to contemporary music. ... Hackney Town Hall was built in the 1930s for the old Metropolitan Borough. ... London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom, and is the most populous city in the European Union. ... Statistics Population: 293,717 Ordnance Survey OS grid reference: SE165325 Administration Metropolitan borough: City of Bradford Metropolitan county: West Yorkshire Region: Yorkshire and the Humber Constituent country: England Sovereign state: United Kingdom Other Ceremonial county: West Yorkshire Historic county: Yorkshire (West Riding) Services Police force: West Yorkshire Ambulance service: Yorkshire... Punjabi (also Panjabi; in Gurmukhī, Panjābī in Shāhmukhī) is the language of the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. ... ALL FM is a radio station operating in south Manchester, UK, on 96. ... Wythenshawe Hall Wythenshawe is a housing estate to the south of Manchester. ... Cross Rhythms City Radio is a UK Community Radio station broadcasting to Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. ... This page is about Stoke-on-Trent in England. ...


The Ofcom Community Radio Consultation

The Ofcom community radio consultation was issued on 17 February 2004. The consultation gave a brief outline of the Access radio projects, and made some proposals as to how the new sector would be managed. Included in the consultation were a series of questions which interested parties were invited to suggest comments on. These included whether community radio stations should have a cap of 50% of their income coming from advertising, and the order and method by which licenses should be applied for. February 17 is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...


The closing date for contributions was 20 April 2004, and since this date all of the contributions have been published on the Ofcom website. April 20 is the 110th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (111th in leap years). ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...


Following the success of the pilot scheme, applications for full licences were invited in 2004 and the first full licences awarded in 2005.


United States

American community radio stations are often staffed by volunteers and air a wide variety of programming. They are generally smaller than public radio outlets. Community radio stations are distinct from public radio in that most of their programming is locally produced by non-professional DJs and producers, where public radio tends to rely on more syndicated programming. Community stations often try to reduce their dependence on financial contributions from corporations in comparison with other public broadcasters. These stations are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Many community stations are licensed as full-power FM stations, while others - especially newer community stations - are licensed under low-power broadcasting rules. Public broadcasting, also known as public service broadcasting or PSB (though this term has a specific different meaning in the United Kingdom - see public service broadcasting in the United Kingdom) is the dominant form of broadcasting around the world, where radio, television, and potentially other electronic media outlets receive funding... The FCCs official seal. ... Low-power broadcasting is the concept of broadcasting at very low power and low cost, to a small community area. ...


The National Federation of Community Broadcasters formed in 1970 as an umbrella organization for community-oriented, non-commercial radio stations. The NFCB publishes handbooks for stations and lobbies on behalf of community radio at the federal level. The Grassroots Radio Coalition is a very loose coalition of stations that formed as a reaction against increasing commercialization of public radio and lack of support for volunteer-based stations (including in the NFCB). Some stations are part of both groups. The NFCB (National Federation of Community Broadcasters) is an alliance of stations, producers, and others committed to community radio in the US. External links NFCBs official web site Category: ... The Grassroots Radio Coalition is a loose coalition of community media activists. ... This article needs cleanup. ...


Sweden

In Sweden community radio (närradio) was for introduced in 1978 with test transmissions. Regular tranmissions started next year. Commercials were not allowed until 1993.


Thailand

Community radio saw fast growth during the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, taking advantage of a delay in the establishment of a regulatory authority. Thailand's 2,000-3,000 community radio stations, often operating unlicensed, have been accused of causing interference with air traffic radio and other radio stations[4]. However, selected community radio stations have been the target of police crackdowns, causing critics to accuse the government of political intereference.[5] To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Censorship in Thailand. ...


See also

International Freedom of Expression eXchange. ... The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (French: Association Mondiale Des Radiodiffuseurs Communautaires, AMARC) is the international umbrella organization of community radio broadcasters, with nearly 3,000 members in 110 countries. ...

References

  • Bekken, Jon. "Community Radio at the Crossroads: Federal Policy and The Professionalization of a Grassroots Medium" in Sakolsky, Ron and S. Dunifer (eds.) Seizing the Airwaves: A Free Radio Handbook. (also available online)
  • UNESCO. "How to Do Community Radio: A Primer"

External links

National community radio federations


  Results from FactBites:
 
Community radio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (1935 words)
Community radio is a type of radio service that caters to the interests of a certain area, broadcasting material that is popular to a local audience but is overlooked by more powerful broadcast groups.
Modern-day community radio stations often serve their listeners by offering a variety of music selections that are not necessarily catered for by larger corporate radio stations.
Community radio stations are most commonly operated by cooperatives.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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