CMA responds to Community Radio Fund changes

Community radio stations will have access to £900,000 in grants during 2026/27, alongside a further £100,000 for sector-wide initiatives.

The DMCS has committed to making £1 million available to strengthen community radio for each of the next three financial years.

For 2026/27, Ofcom will administer £900,000 through the Community Radio Fund, with DCMS ringfencing the remaining £100,000 for initiatives supporting the wider sector.

The fund will now operate through two streams. The £800,000 Sustainability Stream will continue to support paid roles and projects designed to improve the long-term viability of stations.

A new £100,000 Equipment Stream will support eligible analogue community radio licensees that have been broadcasting for at least 10 years.

The funding arrangements have been welcomed by the Community Media Association, which says the increase provides greater clarity for stations facing rising core costs and growing demand for locally relevant services.

The CMA says ageing infrastructure is an issue for many established analogue stations.

The organisation also highlighted the introduction of multi-year applications, allowing Sustainability Stream projects or roles to seek support for up to three years.

However, Ofcom says only a limited number of multi-year bids will be supported, and applications will need to justify the longer funding period.

CMA Chair Vijay Umrao said: “This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the vital role community radio plays across the UK.”

He added that the changes represented “significant and welcome progress”, while acknowledging that more work is needed to secure the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Applications are expected to open in early September, with a new application form to be published alongside the round.

Stations are being urged to review the updated guidance carefully, particularly the separate eligibility and cost requirements for the two streams.

The CMA will also run online training sessions, sponsored by PPL, to help stations prepare applications, including dedicated guidance on the new Equipment Stream.

The move to a single funding round each financial year is intended to give stations greater certainty when planning roles and projects.

Ofcom says applicants should also consider feedback from the previous funding round when preparing submissions.