Community Media Association and BBC Local strengthen partnership with updated MOU

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Community Media Association (CMA) and BBC Local has been updated and was announced at The Community Media Festival in Poole last weekend.

The MOU acknowledges the mutual benefits and shared objectives of both organisations.

The document aims to strengthen the relationship and collaboration between Ofcom Licenced CMA member stations – including those broadcasting on AM, FM & Small-Scale DAB with C-DSP licences – and BBC Local Radio to better serve communities and audiences.

And here’s what’s happening:

1. Why We Have Developed This Memorandum of Understanding

Chris Burns, BBC Controller of Local Audio Commissioning:

“We believe that a strong relationship between the CMA and Local Radio, benefits local audiences and the industry as a while. The MOU is a demonstration of our commitment to community media, and how collaboration enables us to better serve local audiences. We look forward to deeper engagement with CMA stations.”

Terry Lee, Chair of the Community Media Association:

“Our partnership with the BBC is a cornerstone of community broadcasting. This updated MOU reflects our shared goals and the evolving media landscape, ensuring we continue to deliver impactful media to our communities.

“In the evolving landscape of local media, it is vital for the BBC and community media to form closer partnerships to enhance public service objectives. This MOU is designed to build on previous collaborations, fostering a spirit of trust, best practices, and local engagement.”

2. CMA Context

The CMA, formed in 1983, is the UK’s democratic, representation body for community broadcasters. It supports members in using media to drive positive social change, providing guidance on governance, technical issues, funding, and more. CMA members commit to delivering social gain, with many serving specific geographical or interest-based communities.

The CMA supports its members and the sector by raising awareness of the benefits of community media and campaigning for a legislative and policy environment which enables communities to use broadcasting as a mechanism to deliver social gain.

The CMA also works with partners to give practical, technical, governance and funding advice, networking opportunities and other support to community media organisations.

3. BBC Local Context

BBC Local oversees all non-networked television, text, and radio output in England, offering comprehensive local services through its multimedia hubs. BBC Local aims to deliver locally relevant content, and where appropriate will work closely with community media to enhance public service broadcasting.

4. The Strategic Framework Between BBC Local & CMA

BBC Local and the CMA will hold bi-annual meetings to review the MOU, share updates, and address any issues. This ensures continuous improvement and effective collaboration between both parties. A standing agenda item will be to address any grievances which may have arisen.

Both parties are encouraged to enter into dialogue and establish joint working wherever possible.

5. Working Together

The MOU encourages community media and BBC Local Radio Audio Executive Editors to engage in dialogue, exploring opportunities for collaboration. Both parties aim to foster mutual trust and innovation.

This MOU is not setting out to provide a rigid template for engagement – it is about reaching a level of mutual trust and understanding between community media projects and BBC Editors. Both parties aspire to encourage mutual support, innovation, creativity and a spirit of co-operation.

There is no obligation on either party to enter into agreement to work together, but should they wish to the following areas are within the scope of the MOU.

A working arrangement with a Community Radio Station may offer a BBC Local Radio Editor: 

  • Access to a wide range of voices and perspectives from a very local or defined community
  • Content sharing opportunities for rebroadcast or joint initiatives
  • New Talent for development across the spectrum of Local Radio roles
  • Opportunities for BBC staff development
  • Use of local studios and equipment
  • Staff exchange programmes

Community Radio Managers may benefit from:

  • Mentoring on a group or individual basis
  • Access to local training/ workshops and online training modules
  • Content sharing and showcasing on air or via the BBC local website
    • This includes local news bulletins broadcast on radio and over Alexa, clips from bulletins, ‘Make A Difference’ (or equivalent) stories, public service announcements, and certain programmes.
    • CMA partners must record BBC content themselves, adhere to attribution standards, and ensure no ads are placed around BBC content.
    • CMA radio station partners should also be made aware by the CMA of the BBC’s Distribution Policy.
    • Logs of used BBC content should be provided to local BBC stations weekly.
  • Recycling of technical equipment
  • Work experience placements
  • Financial rewards for content
  • Access to a BBC news service

We recognise that not every community project will want to engage in this kind of activity and that BBC Audio Exec Editors will need to base the level of co-operation on the resources available. We also recognise that the ability to work together will be influenced by business and community pressures.

This said, both parties should be open to these developments and potential joint-working. If either party feels that this has not happened despite best endeavours, they should report this to either the CMA or BBC Local, who will seek to resolve the issue.

When we do work together, it will be within the spirit of understanding and trust that this Memorandum of Understanding aims to achieve.

5.1 Category 1 Obituaries

In the event of Category 1 obituaries, such as the death of the monarch or Prime Minister, CMA member stations can simulcast BBC Local Radio station output. Community Radio stations that do this would be expected to communicate with their Local BBC station to be clear how long they intend to simulcast for.

6. Standards for Working Together

The BBC and CMA affiliated projects should adhere to best practices, recognizing their different resources and working conditions. Guidelines for collaboration include achievable deadlines, appropriate scheduling, resource sharing, and inclusive planning.

This MOU recommends working with similar guides to best practice outlined in the Standards for Community Engagement best practice guidelines as set. The COSLA standards can be viewed in full on the Scottish Community Development Centre website.

7. BBC Local CMA Affiliates

CMA Community Radio stations will be given the chance to opt-in as affiliates for their Local BBC stations. As part of this scheme, BBC Local Radio stations will engage with affiliates in their area on local stories that pertain to their relevant communities (geographic or community-of-interest) and invite them to ‘meet the team’ sessions bi-annually at the BBC Local station. The CMA will publish a list of affiliates online, encouraging BBC Local stations to do the same.

8. Monitoring & Evaluation

Regular feedback, monitoring, and evaluation will ensure the MOU’s effectiveness. The bi-annual meetings will address progress and any issues, fostering continuous improvement.