Lobbying for community radio in Britain.

This article examines the lobbying efforts of the Community Media Association (CMA) that led to the formal introduction of Community Radio as a third sector of licensed radio broadcasting in the United Kingdom between 1997 and 2004. Drawing on archival policy documents, interviews, and regulatory materials, it details the complex interactions among the CMA, the Radio Authority, government departments, commercial broadcasters, and parliament, highlighting tensions over terminology—such as the use of "Access Radio" versus "Community Radio"—and funding challenges. Despite the Labour government's role in legislating the Community Radio Order (CRO) in 2004, the sector received limited initial funding, which constrained its early sustainability. The article situates Community Radio within broader social policy goals of inclusion and local engagement, noting its continued resilience with over 300 licensed stations as of 2023.