Martin Steers | Wednesday 3rd April 2024 1:32pm
The UK Community Radio Network, the representative trade body for Ofcom licenced Community Radio Stations has announced a new supporters’ scheme to support their work, which also includes free access to the Radioplayer platform for Ofcom licenced radio stations.
The organisation was officially launched in 2021 by Nathan Spackman from Bro Radio, Barry Clack from Witney Radio, and Martin Steers from NLive Radio, following the launch of peer networking activities and awareness campaigns to generate support for Community Radio during covid.
Since that time the organisation has met regularly with Ofcom, DCMS and other stakeholders, submitted briefing notes and responses to consultations and enquiries, appeared twice in front of MPs at the DCMS select committee representing Community Radio, organised regional and national conferences, and worked with the CMA on a joint submission on the DCMS consultation on the future of analogue Community Radio, and most recently released research into the social impact and benefits to listeners of Community Radio conducted in collaboration with an academic from the University of Northampton.
Now the organisation plans to grow and develop, with an ambitious plan of activity over the next 18 months, including celebrating 20 years of Community Radio, supporting stations during the upcoming general election, and providing campaign materials for the election to lobby for a better future for Community Radio, develop and launch an audience measurement system for Community Radio (and small scale broadcasters), and much more!
To help them deliver their plans and allow them to do more to represent, support, and help develop Ofcom licenced Community Radio they are launching a supporters’ scheme, for stations, individuals and other organisations & broadcasters to support them.
The initial scheme for 2024 is launching at £50 per supporter, and for Ofcom licenced stations this includes FREE access to Radioplayer, as well as other offers and deals to be announced soon.
Lawrence Galkoff, General Manager of Radioplayer Worldwide said; “Every week, nearly 9 out of 10 people in the UK tune in to the radio. At Radioplayer, our mission is to ensure that every listener can easily access their favourite stations across all platforms, including connected cars and digital devices. Founded on collaboration, we work tirelessly to empower the entire radio industry, from the smallest stations to the larger media organisations. We're thrilled to welcome UKCRN stations to our growing Radioplayer platform in the UK, expanding access for listeners nationwide.”.
The UKCRN actively encourages all Community Radio stations to appear on the platform, it offers an industry-standard web player, but also easy access to smart speakers, in-car listening and other connected devices, taking away technical barriers that stations may face.
Nathan Spackman, Director of the UK Community Radio Network said; “We were delighted when Radioplayer approached us with this offer to support stations to be part of the UK Radioplayer, and for it to be part of the launch offer of our supporter's scheme, we really do need the support from the sector, but want to be able to provide value for that support”.
The supporter scheme initially starts at £50 and includes the cost of being on the UK Radioplayer platform.
To support other small-scale, and not-for-profit broadcasters, the UKCRN is also offering different supporter options, including one for other Ofcom licenced broadcasters so they can also support the work of the UKCRN as well as benefiting from this offer. This is alongside an option for individuals, other not for profits, organisations and companies to support their work.
To sign up head to www.UKCRN.Radio/supportus
About Radioplayer
Radioplayer, owned by broadcasters in 22 countries, unites almost 10,000 radio stations globally. Partnering with automotive and tech giants, the company is revolutionizing radio for connected audiences. Its mission is to empower radio's future through innovation and strategic alliances. With advanced analytics, it assists broadcasters in optimizing content and business strategies. Through global collaboration and advocacy, Radioplayer safeguards radio's cultural significance and accessibility. In essence, Radioplayer is driving radio's evolution, ensuring its lasting impact in today's digital landscape. If you want to know more about Radioplayer in the UK, please contact the UK country Manager, Sean Tighe - [email protected]
About the UK Community Radio Network
The UK Community Radio Network (UKCRN) exists to represent, support, and develop Ofcom licenced Community Radio stations across the UK. It provides direct support to station managers and station management teams from day-to-day issues, Ofcom support, and strategic development and support. Hosts regular peer support and networking meetings, as well as the national Community Radio conference. If you want to know more about the UK Community Radio Network you can contact them on [email protected]
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The UK Community Radio Network is a registered Community Interest Company | Company Number: 13700623
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