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Claremorris Community Radio to Feature in Nationally Broadcast Radio Series 

 

“The first thing that I got from community radio was that it gave me access to something that I never thought I could get access for” - Evans Shirihuru - Community Radio Volunteer

These are the opening words of “A Voice for Communities”, a new 6 part documentary series that explores the ideas behind and the impact of Community Radio in Ireland. Claremorris Community Radio features prominently in the series which was launched by the Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Authority Michael O’Keeffe on Saturday (May 26^th) at the Annual Craol Community Radio Féile in Athlone.

The series will be broadcast across Ireland on over 25 Community Radio Stations. The series begins on Claremorris Community Radio 94.6fm on Saturday June 9^th at 2pm and will be repeated on Fridays at 5pm.

“A Voice for Communities” maps a unique nationwide community-based movement which is rapidly changing. At the launch, Albertine Denis the Chairperson of Craol recognised that “Community Radio stations are so busy providing a space for their communities to tell their stories, that the compelling narrative of which they are a part, has until now remained unheard. “ She added “This series captures the complexities behind the scenes, marrying stories of the huge voluntary effort involved, with the impacts of community radio stations on the communities we serve”.

“A Voice for Communities” aims to give listeners an insight into the broadcasting process and the ideas and challenges underlying the establishment of community stations. Such stations are rooted in their community and reflect the passions, challenges, stories, and people of their community- their stories make for compelling listening both for the communities they serve and beyond.

“A Voice for Communities” enables the listener to feel a sense of an unfolding story that they too can be a part of. . Launching the series Michael O’Keeffe said “The BAI is delighted to have provided funding support to this innovative programme series which demonstrates the positive impact of community radio on communities through the country. Congratulations to all involved in the making of this documentary series.”

This landmark series is produced by Grey Heron Media working with community radio stations nationwide for Craol the Community Radio Forum of Ireland, and will be broadcast across Ireland by over twenty five of Craol’s member stations. It was made with the support of Sound and Vision, an initiative of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Community Radio in Ireland has a collective weekly reach of 307, 465 adults and 6 out of 10 people value its impact on their community very highly, according to the findings of the first ever independent survey on Community Radio in Ireland by RED C / Grey Heron Media on behalf of Craol.

According to the research which was collected through 504 face to face interviews conducted at 23 sample points around the country where Community Radio is available, collected data on a range of issues including the awareness of, value of and the opportunities offered by Community Radio in Ireland.

Respondents highlighted the important part that Community Radio plays in terms of Community Development and the sharing of knowledge and experience.

• 67% of all adults surveyed are aware that a Community Radio Station exists in their area, while 78% of those who were aware of a community radio station knew that the station was in fact a community station
• 21% know that "anyone from the community can get involved"
• 6 in 10 of all survey respondents in the catchment attributed a very high value rating to Community Radio, when asked specifically about the impact of Community Radio on your community / area. The high value rating is even greater (71%) among current listeners to Community Radio
• 30% of respondents have listened to any streamed or online radio programme on the internet. 17% of 18 - 24 year olds have downloaded a radio podcast

Programme 1 - Radio for the Community, by the Community

Programme 2 - All Stations Big and Small

Programme 3 – The struggle to get on air – Aspirant Stations

Programme 4 - Volunteer Led, Volunteer Driven

Programme 5 - Community Impact 

Programme 6 - The Role of CRAOL in building a movement/Facing the future