Community Radio Stations

About Community Radio

Community radio is a broadcast model where stations are owned and operated by and for their local communities — distinct from both commercial radio (profit-driven) and public radio (state or institution-funded). The model emerged in the 1960s as a democratic counter to centralized broadcasting, and today community radio is legally protected and regulated in Australia, Canada, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and dozens of other countries. Community stations serve hyperlocal audiences: they broadcast in minority languages, cover neighborhood events, provide training for emerging broadcasters, and fill the gaps that commercial stations ignore. They are often the last broadcast media specifically oriented around a single town, suburb, or ethnic community.

Community radio is strongest in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, South Africa, and France. The model has spread to India, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa where it serves rural populations that commercial radio ignores.

Subgenres: Hyperlocal, Ethnic minority, Indigenous language, Student/youth, Low-power FM

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