UK’s community radio stations face closure as Covid-19 hits advertising

A third of the UK’s community radio stations could face closure due to the impact of coronavirus without urgent government support, according to the body that represents the broadcasters’ interests.

The Community Media Association, which represents the 296 community associations licensed by broadcast regulator Ofcom, is scheduled to hold crisis talks with representatives of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Ofcom on Wednesday to seek support for the sector.

The CMA considers its members to have a crucial role in broadcasting to diverse audiences in the UK, including news and health information during the coronavirus emergency, but feel left out of government support plans. Last week, the government announced a three-month advertising partnership with the embattled newspaper industry which has been valued at £35m to £45m.

Read more via The Guardian