The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines ‘Community Media’ generally as a distinct sector of the media for its independence, base in civil society and provision of a social service as opposed to seeking profits. ‘Community Radio’ provisions for a ‘Collective Voice’ which focuses on ‘We’!

A community radio station is owned and controlled by a not-for-profit organization where membership, management and operation are provided by members of the community at large. Programming is provided primarily by trained volunteers and reflects the diversity of the market through the broadcasting of opinions, spoken word content and musical programming. It stimulates cultural enrichment and socio-economic endeavours. The arts, history, local interests, needs and initiatives, civic and municipal news, current events and local sports form the basis of the station’s programming. Community radio embraces the community.



View the following interview from TVO focusing on community radio! A great explanation of what community radio is all about. The focus is first on Amherst Island Radio and then turns to a general discussion on community radio and how it becomes so vital to its local audience!