BCfm and Ujima launch civil unrest radio protocol

BCfm and Ujima Radio have unveiled a new national guide to help community stations respond safely and responsibly during times of civil unrest.

The Civil Unrest Broadcast and Response Protocol for Local and Community Radio offers practical advice for stations on how to report accurately, protect staff and volunteers, and maintain trust during moments of public tension.

Developed with support from Bristol City Council’s Community Recovery Fund, the framework draws on lessons from Bristol’s own experience of unrest last year, when misinformation spread rapidly across social media. Local stations including BCfm and Ujima played a key role in providing calm, reliable information.

The document sets out steps for broadcasters to follow when covering sensitive situations. These include how to work transparently with local authorities and the police while staying editorially independent, how to keep teams safe, and how to support dialogue that promotes calm and community cohesion.

Marcus Smith from BCfm said the new resource would help local radio respond effectively in difficult circumstances. “This protocol ensures that when communities are under pressure, local media can act swiftly and responsibly. It is about keeping people safe, tackling misinformation, and giving voice to those who promote understanding and unity.”

Ujima’s Miranda Rae added that the guide recognises the vital role trusted local voices play when tensions rise. “Community radio is often the first and most trusted source of information. This resource gives stations across the country a blueprint for how to respond effectively and compassionately.”

The new protocol is freely available to download and is being shared nationally through community media networks. It was inspired by the recent audio documentary We Do Not Do That Here, which explores how Bristol’s broadcasters helped maintain calm during the 2024 disturbances.