Much-loved community radio stations across Wales that are at risk of closure can bid for cash grants to meet their urgent needs during the coronavirus outbreak, the UK Government Minister for Media and Data John Whittingdale has announced.

Community radio is an increasingly important part of the UK radio landscape. Around 300 not-for-profit stations, staffed largely by volunteers, broadcast to around a million listeners per week.

But advertising revenues, which make up around 25 to 30 per cent of a community station’s income, have dropped significantly as a result of the pandemic.

The UK Government has today announced that the £400,000 Community Radio Fund administered by Ofcom will be used to provide a lifeline for radio stations hit hardest by the coronavirus, including those in Wales.

Relevant stations will be invited to bid for emergency grants through Ofcom 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:

“The UK Government is committed to supporting community radio stations during this difficult time, allowing them to continue to deliver vital public information and provide entertainment to communities all over Wales.

“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. It has been particularly successful in funding distinctive content tailored to the needs and interests of local audiences offering opportunities for local engagement and fostering community cohesion.

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.”