Leith FM is a community radio that looks to the future and sees it is filled with opportunities to make a real impact. Under regulations from OFCOM, the Office of Communication, a five year community radio licence has just been awarded to Edinburgh North and Leith community alliance, Leith Community Media Works.

Like many success stories, Leith FM was born out of a community pulling together. At the eleventh hour a group of determined volunteers found the resources they needed to cover licence costs for a restricted service licence to cover the unique Leith Festival. Five short term broadcasts later, the volunteers, many of whom have been part of it from the start, are preparing to launch a full time and dedicated radio station for Leith.

With an open door’ policy, a strong focus on community programmes and a volunteer base of more than 70 people, the group are planning to harness the passion and diversity of the community to build confidence and enhance local skills. An accredited youth training programme will be up and running by the summer when Leith FM hopes to be running full time. The training will then be used as a model for other groups, including those who are unemployed.
Mike Stevenson, Chairman of Leith FM says: ‘We have a vision, which is far beyond the standard impression of community radio that just broadcasts music and does talk shows all day. We run campaigns on health, work with the authorities, and look at transport ñ a big issue in our area. We want to bring our new residents and the traditional community together, work with colleges and provide training for students.’

Contact: www.leithfm.co.uk Tel: 0131 308 9636

Photo: © Leith FM