Dear Ben Bradshaw
I am writing to welcome you to your new post as Secretary of State for
Culture, Media & Sport.
The Community Media Association is the umbrella body representing
community radio and the wider community media sector. Community radio
in particular is one of the government’s real success stories, going
from 15 stations in 2001 to the current number of 201 licensed
stations, which is likely to rise to 300 by the end of next year. It
is the true “third tier” of radio, serving some of the most
disadvantaged and marginalised communities throughout the UK.
The CMA is also involved in urging the government to enable the
development of local television in the UK, through United for Local
Television, which would create many jobs in both the creative
industries and local journalism sectors.
Your colleagues at DCMS already have a wealth of information from the
CMA both on the future of the radio sector and local TV. I would
though welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the future
of community media in the UK, particularly in the light of the recent
resolution by Europe’s Council of Ministers supporting the development
and expansion of community media across Europe, signed by the UK
government.
I look forward to hearing from you and wish you well in your new post.
Yours sincerely
Jaqui Devereux
Director, Community Media Association
