Community radio stations at risk of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic can bid for cash grants, the UK Government has confirmed.
There are around 300 not-for-profit stations in the UK, staffed largely by volunteers, and which broadcast to around a million listeners per week.
However, advertising revenues, that make up around 30% of their income, have dropped significantly due to the economic fallout from the pandemic.
As a result the UK Government has announced that the £400,000 Community Radio Fund, administered by Ofcom, will be used to provide a lifeline for radio stations hit hardest.
Relevant stations will be invited to bid for emergency grants through the regulator to help meet their core costs.
John Whittingdale, Minister for Media and Data, said: " Community stations across the country are helping people through the pandemic with up-to-date news and entertainment and through their role coordinating volunteer networks.
“We recognise the difficulties they face and are releasing emergency funding to help them continue providing programming and services for the communities they serve.”
UK Government Minister for Wales David TC Davies said: “I urge eligible community radio stations in Wales to bid into this £400,000 fund so that they can continue to support people through this pandemic.”
Awards will be determined by the independent Community Radio Fund Panel. Guidance will be provided from Ofcom on how radio stations can bid for funding.
The Community Radio Fund is a grant scheme set up in 2005 to support the community radio sector. Funding has to date been awarded to projects and posts promoting business development and self-sustainability.
Danny Lawrence, chair of the Community Media Association, said: We are encouraged that DCMS has listened to our presentation of how the coronavirus is affecting our members and the wider community radio sector. The quick and early release of funds from the Community Radio Fund, administered by Ofcom, will provide immediate short-term relief for those community radio stations facing immediate hardship.
“We look forward to working with DCMS to continue to explore options to fund community radio in the long term to support stations keeping their communities connected and informed during the crisis. We profoundly thank DCMS and Ofcom for acting so quickly at this difficult time."
Kevin Bakhurst, Group director of content and media policy at Ofcom, said: " During this challenging period, community radio can provide a reassuring local voice to millions of people.
"We know many community stations are facing significant challenges as a result of coronavirus, and we will be working as quickly as possible to administer this fund so they can continue to reach local listeners.”
