Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government recognises the valuable role of community radio in delivering local news and important information to our communities right across Scotland. We believe that it is vital that there is a network of radio operations to expand and enhance the service provision for Scottish listeners and we will continue to champion a stronger broadcasting sector in Scotland to ensure a diversity of voices in communities across Scotland.

Radio, including community radio, has proven its value to our communities at times when the distribution of important information has been particularly vital, such as during the pandemic. We recognise the importance of a strong broadcasting sector with a mixed range of media sources to provide a diversity of voices, local and independent thinking and to empower communities.

We continue to make the case to the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for support to radio stations, as we did during the pandemic when we pressed for support for radio and subsequently welcomed the emergency funding for community radio through grants for community radio stations across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Scottish Government officials continue to engage with DCMS to ensure that representation from Scotland is made and DCMS understand the challenges that continue to impact the radio sector in Scotland.