Why limit yourself to listening?

Vintage Radio presenter

Whilst we can’t all be the next Terry Wogan, or as good as Kirsty Young on Desert Island Discs, there’s surprisingly little to stop people making, and broadcasting their own radio programmes

As technology marches onwards one of the major benefits is the ease with which quality programmes can be made, and the relatively low cost.

Where might you get some guidance?

Seeing how others are doing it is often an efficient way to start, helping you to decide whether, or how, you want to proceed. You may have a local, non-commercial, community station in your neighbourhood, and most major hospitals have their own stations. They’re often looking for volunteers and are able to provide free training.

You could talk to your local Council for Voluntary Service about media projects in your town. What’s on offer will differ in different parts of the country, but they are a good start for any community development initiatives. The Age Scotland Helpline on 0845 125 9732 can help you find out contact details.

Many local colleges run media departments. Speaking to the right member of staff can get you helpful guidance, studio facilities and the assistance of willing and technically-savvy students.

The BBC has a charter that commits them to six public purposes, at least one of which covers training and community involvement. You might imagine they would be your competitors but in fact they’re there to help.

Your local newspaper is a very efficient way of letting other people know about what you’ve got planned. The more people that are involved the more creditable your idea looks – an important consideration if you’re going to need some funding.