Community radio gets the royal treatment

Published on 11, April, 2025

An academic from the University of Sunderland has attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to spotlight the importance of regional media including community radio.

Dr Caroline Mitchell, Professor of Radio and Participation at the University, had the chance to meet with His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty Queen Camilla to highlight the role of the community radio sector.

Prof Mitchell said: "Community radio stations all over the country broadcast diverse regional voices, issues and concerns on a daily basis, with the participation of thousands of volunteers.

“As someone who was part of establishing the Community Radio Association back in the 1980s I am delighted that the sector now has over 350 stations including our own award-winning youth-oriented community station Spark.

“The University supports significant courses and research in radio, audio and podcasting that promote Sunderland's unique and often undervalued Mackem regional identity. 

“So, I was extremely pleased to see community media recognised at this prestigious event and to have the opportunity to speak to The King and Queen about how we promote regional voices and issues through Spark and podcasts like The Rebel Women of Sunderland and the Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass - stories of Washington.

“It was important also to make representations at the event to the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy about the importance of long-term sustainability of the community media sector."

The University of Sunderland offers a range of courses to help students kick-start their careers in the media sector.

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University, said: “Media organisations and platforms have a major impact on our lives on a global scale.

“On a community level, media not only acts as a glue keeping people together, but it can also be a lifeline providing access to services and giving people a voice to influence the decisions that affect them most.

“Regional media serves a broader purpose in supporting our identity, which is why we often lament the centralising of programming and services.

“For north-east talent, seeing and hearing from people like us is key if we want to reverse the domination of national media by voices from London and the south-east. Regional media has a practical role too in providing steps on the career ladder for those seeking the top opportunities nationally and beyond.

“At the University we provide professions-facing courses which not only open up a world of opportunities to students but are heavily connected via partnerships to media organisations closer to home.

“The aim is to support students to develop their skills and knowledge and to supply the talent needed in the regional economy.”

Dr Richard Berry, Senior Lecturer in Radio at the University said: "Community radio is now more important than ever. They are often the only local source of information and a vital means of media access.

“This sector needs more support, as despite successful campaigns to bring more reform, too many stations struggle.

“Community radio not only serves a public purpose but, as in our own experience, can act as an effective training ground for the media industry for people who might normally be excluded." 

If you’re interested in studying Radio, Audio and Podcasting at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.

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