National Community Radio Day
Friday, June 16 2023 marks the 8th National Community Radio Day. It’s the day when CRAOL – Community Radio Ireland – and its member stations across Ireland celebrate and recognise the work and commitment of members, volunteers and staff involved in this diverse and grassroot sector of the media.
Hosted by Dublin Northside’s community radio Near FM, and in partnership with Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, this year’s special broadcast celebrates our Traveller community with a mix of live guests and pre-recorded interviews by Near FM and sister community radio stations Flirt FM, Liffey Sound, Phoenix FM, Athlone Community Radio, Loughrea Community Radio and Claremorris Community Radio from 11.00am – 5.30pm. One of highlights is the live outside broadcast with Near FM’s pop up radio studio from Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre from 2.00-3.30pm.
‘We’re very excited about the variety of guests for this special broadcast. Media plays a huge part in the representation of people and communities and unfortunately some media report on Travellers in a negative light leading to stereotyping and prejudice. This broadcast is an opportunity to celebrate our Traveller community music, language and traditions, and give insight to a different way of life. We are delighted to be joined by Sharyn Ward co-presenting part of the day and going live from Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre in the afternoon’ say programme producer Dorothee Meyer-Holtkamp (Outreach coordinator Near Media Co-op) and Sally Galiana (Radio Coordinator Near Media Co-op).
The CRAOL network comprises 21 fully licensed and 15 developing Community Radio stations. This special National Community Radio Day programme will be available to all Community Radio Stations to broadcast.
Community Radios aim to promote social inclusion, community cohesion and engagement, and to empower and support community broadcasters nationwide to deliver a Social Benefit to their communities, through active volunteerism, shared resources, good governance, diverse content, partnership and networking. National Community Radio Day is supported by Coimisiún na Meán, formerly known as the BAI Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.