Non-For-Profit Radio
There are a range of different types of
non-for-profit radio for example, community radio, hospital radio, student
radio, sporting and special event radio and many more. Community radio is a
relatively new form of radio station, they broadcast to much smaller areas,
usually about 5km from the transmitter. They tend to focus on a specific
community like an ethnic-minority group or a range of listeners within the
broadcast area. A community radios aim is to in some way benefit the community
instead of focusing on making a profit.
The funding for a community or
non-for-profit radio comes from a range of sources, usually sponsorship or
advertising. However at least half of their funding must come from some other
area, this could be from public funding from a local or central government, or
even from charities or the national lottery.
A community radio stations programs will
usually reflect the needs or interests of their audience, so really a community
radio needs to become a central part of the community. This can be done by
creating direct links and relationships with their audience, and being able to
offer important and useful opportunities for the audience.
To run a community or non-for-profit radio
you must be granted a license by Ofcom. Ofcom set the rules for broadcasting in
the UK, which all radio stations must follow in order to be allowed to carry on
broadcasting. An individual cannot be allowed a community radio licence, they’re
only offered to groups like charities or non-for-profit companies. If awarded a
licence by Ofcom, it will last for up to five years at a time, nearing the end
of that time the company or group can then apply for another licence to carry
on for another 5 years.