Bedfordshire considers importance of community media in the time of Covid-19
Fri 10 July, 2020
Experts from the 鶹ýAV have been discussing the future of community media and its importance following the Covid-19 outbreak and recently announced cuts to BBC regional media.
, Radio LaB founder, and, Senior Tutor inRadio and Audio took part in‘Global Dialogues on Community Media in the Post-Pandemic World’virtualpanel.
The panel discussed the relevanceof community media and the impact it can have on audiences during these uncertain times.
Terry, who is also the coordinator of award-winning community stationsaid: “I have worked in UK community radio for my entire professional life, and I have seen how it can transform lives, entertain communities and educate listeners”.
䰿’sonline debate tookplace with the backdrop oftheBBCannouncingcutsand cancellationstotheirregional TV news and current affairsshows and departments,as well aslocal radio and online newsteams–an estimated loss of 450 jobs.
, Senior Lecturer in Radio andJournalism and former Ofcom Radio Regulator said: “Local radio has always been the ‘poor relation’ in terms of wider BBC radio output. The original concept of BBC local radio was as a network of highly individual stations, each reflecting the unique nature of its local target audience. Unfortunately, for many years there has been a trend towards less specialised local output.”
He continued:“Well run community radio services can fill the gaps left as a result, often having very strong and diverse links with the community they are there to serve, meaning they can reflect the needs of that community effectively”.
Radio LaB, the fully Ofcom licensed radio station based on the 鶹ýAV’s Luton Campus, has been an avid proponent of community engagement, having ran campaigns including thewith Age Concern in Luton;with Luton Council and Smart Safe and an annual opportunity for
Terry believes the Covid-19 lockdown has given opportunities to reflect on the future of the station’s community output:
“Throughout lockdown wehave been fortunate to have hosts recording shows from home and sending them in, sowe’vestillhadcontinuousprogramming going out. The plan now going forwardfor the next yearis to get more voices from the communityon air, to be more inclusive andencouragediverse perspectives and personalities.
Dr Hallett, also a trustee of Future Projects in Norwich, said: “The Covid-19 emergency has had some real benefits for community radio in terms of building its profile as a really useful local media resource.
“I think that the sector now has an opportunity to really cement its reputation as an intrinsic part of local media, reaching audiences that other broadcasters may not be equipped to serve”.
The virtual UNESCO panel can be watched again via Youtube and the player below.
Bedfordshire’shas awiderange ofundergraduate and postgraduatecourses,includingRadio&Audio,Sports TV Production,Broadcast Journalism andMedia,Marketing & Public Relations.Further information about these courses and many morecan be.
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