Date set for National Community Radio Conference and Awards 2024

The UK Community Radio Network is set to host its annual National Community Radio Conference in Cardiff on 16th November, alongside the Community Radio Awards.

The conference, which takes place at Cardiff City Stadium, will be an open platform for discussion, collaboration, and communication between stations from across the United Kingdom.

While the UKCRN represents, supports, and develops Ofcom licenced Community Radio, the National Community Radio conference is open to anyone involved with and interested in community or even local radio to attend.

Confirmed speakers and conversations include the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service, discussing the service and the opportunity for stations to tender for contracts, presenter development and training academies, small-scale DAB and more to be confirmed.

The event will also include time to discuss a change in Government and what’s required for community radio to thrive. The conversation will come weeks before a joint meeting between UKCRN and CMA with the new Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth.

Whilst most of the conference is aimed at managers and those involved in the running of Community Radio, the afternoon is being opened up for those heading to Cardiff for the Community Radio Awards, with discussions around presenter development production and more.

The session will also include the opportunity to apply for 1-2-1 sessions with local industry figures with experience in the BBC, Commercial Radio and Television, offering hints, tips and development within the afternoon ticket price.

UK Community Radio Network co-founder Nathan Spackman told RadioToday: “We’re excited to be bringing this years conference and awards to the Welsh Capital. We’ve seen a huge growth in talent and opportunities in recent years, so this is a great opportunity to showcase that and the work being done right across the UK.”

“We’ve got a really exciting range of speakers and discussions at this years conference, whilst allowing as much space as possible to discuss the key issues facing the sector and what’s required to allow Community stations to thrive.”

For those looking to spend the weekend in Cardiff, The UK Community Radio Network is working on plans for a Friday night get together, which is set to be announced in the weeks to come.

Tickets for the 2024 UKCRN Conference and Community Radio Awards are available here.