Community groups have been quick to pick up on the opportunities presented by the new licensing arrangements for community radio stations, which represent a third tier of radio in the UK.

One hundred and seven licensed community radio stations now exist and more are expected to be announced  over the course of the next few months.  Given the remarkable growth of this sector, DCMS has now undertaken research into the social and economic impacts the sector has made to date.

The study looked at 13 stations across the regions and nations some of which target special interest groups.  It found that the stations have delivered important social gains across a range of issues, but particularly in respect of volunteering, work placement and training  opportunities. Increasingly this means economic gain for individuals with employment opportunities flowing through to the attainment of better standards of living and life opportunities.  The stations have also given local communities a voice thereby promoting active citizenship.  

The sector offers huge potential for helping to deliver messages from the centre at the very local level.

The Community Radio Sector: Looking to the Future