Radio A Force For Good: Supporting important causes

It’s hard to put into words how challenging the last year has been, but every step of the way radio has acted as a constant support.

Radio has been a force for good in the darkest of times, supporting the nation like a reliable friend you don’t have to socially distance from. In the run up to World Radio Day on Saturday 13^th February, Radiocentre is looking at five reasons why radio has been a #ForceForGood over the past year, and calling on radio stations and listeners across the UK to share their own reasons, by posting with the hashtag and tagging @Radiocentre.

The link between radio and listener is a strong bond. It’s a deep connection that goes beyond playing great music, because radio engages on a personal level. Presenters make us laugh, they make us debate, they may even make us cry. 

One thing that is very close to radio’s heart is charity. Commercial radio raises over £30 million a year for charity and regularly shines a spotlight on small and large charities a like. Whether it’s providing a platform for Captain Tom’s heroic efforts, a national mental health charity, or a small community organisation – radio’s ability to make intimate connections, means it can have a profound impact on fundraising.

Radio stations also directly raise money themselves. Several stations even have their own charities, such as Global’s Make Some Noise, which supports hundreds of small charities, and Bauer’s Cash For Kids, helping the children that need it most across the UK.

A powerful example of radio uniting to support important causes, is the cross-industry partnership that commercial radio has with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), who represent the UK’s major charitable organisations. Whenever a disaster strikes around the world, the DEC is there to co-ordinate an urgent appeal, one which radio gives up its air time to support. The recent DEC campaign to support struggling countries deal with the pandemic raised £24 million, with UK radio stations brining crucial awareness to millions of listeners.

Radio is embedded in community spirit, be that on a local or national level – and that is why it has played such an important role over the last year. Despite it being a shared experience, radio is unique in its ability to be intimate. 

World Radio Day 2021 is on Saturday 13^th February. The celebration is run by UNESCO and more information is available here.