Community radio looks to the future at CMA Festival

Community broadcasters have been exploring how AI, podcasting and new approaches to funding could help stations adapt to changing listening habits.

The issues were discussed at the Community Media Association’s annual festival, held at Bauer Media Audio UK’s London headquarters on Saturday 3 October, bringing together station managers, volunteers, hospital broadcasters and industry professionals.

Hosted at The Lantern with Bauer under the theme Broadcasting Beyond Boundaries, the event featured discussions about attracting younger broadcasters, audience development, marketing and the future of community media across FM, DAB and online platforms.

Podnews Editor and radio futurologist James Cridland demonstrated AI tools that could help stations with repetitive tasks, while emphasising the importance of retaining presenters, volunteers and the local connections that make community broadcasting different.

Podcast consultant Vic Elizabeth Turnbull from MIC media explored how stations could develop podcasts alongside their existing output, allowing local stories to reach listeners beyond their original broadcasts.

Kevin Field also led a marketing session looking at ways community broadcasters could improve their promotion, strengthen relationships with listeners and demonstrate their impact to funders.

The next generation of broadcasting talent was discussed during an Under 30s panel led by Radio Essex’s Lauren Underwood, with Kerrang! Radio’s Jordan Blyth and LBC’s Johnny Jenkins. Magic and Greatest Hits Radio presenter Jo Russell also attended, sharing her broadcasting experience with delegates.

CMA Chair Vijay Umrao said the festival reflected “the strength, diversity and ambition of community media in the UK” and highlighted the significance of bringing community stations into Bauer’s headquarters.

Westside Radio and Westside Talent co-founder Sone Palda was welcomed as a new CMA Ambassador, while Terry Lee from Radio Lab, Dr Josephine Coleman and Jason Rosem from Riverside Radio were recognised through the Community Champions Awards in partnership with Sound Vision.

CMA Vice-Chair Javed Sattar led the return of CMA Radio, which broadcast live throughout the event via Canstream and Radioplayer UK, featuring interviews and conversations with delegates.

Hospital Broadcasting Association Chair Kirsten Karron and Audio Academy Director Aradhna Tayal-Leach were also among those attending.

The festival followed previous CMA gatherings at BBC MediaCity in Salford and elsewhere around the UK, with this year’s event bringing community broadcasters together at the headquarters of a major commercial radio group.

Photos: Vincent Lo