Justin Tomlinson MP & Shirley Ludford, Station Manager
I was delighted to be asked to present the Swindon 105.5FM Community Radio awards. This event celebrated some of the best programmes broadcast over the past year. I am a huge fan of Swindon 105.5 because it allows access to the airwaves for people who might otherwise not have their voices heard. It covers many small-scale community events and is always proud to promote the best of Swindon. It also provides a real community meeting-place where news and views can be exchanged for a specialist and ultra-local audience.
Unlike commercial or public service stations, which need to serve a broader audience, community radio can afford to provide a more specialist or ‘niche’ service. Perhaps ‘afford’ isn’t quite the right word, because of course Swindon 105.5 is funded entirely from donations. I’ve pledged to support them however I can, and in particular with their bid for better reception in key parts of Swindon, such as Penhill.
The other aspect of community radio is that the volunteers get so much out of it. It provides opportunities for training and confidence building, and can be the first step on a potential media career. Their future - and that of the station - is bright, and I will be pleased to support their application for a renewed licence.