Local Radio Day returns for 2023 looking for local community heroes

Local Radio Day is back for 2023 on Friday 20th October, and this year’s theme is Community Heroes.  

The day, which is coordinated by Sound Vision, highlights the value of local radio to the communities it serves. 

Local Radio Day brings stations together on a national level in a celebration of the relationship between local broadcasting and their listeners.

Speaking about this year’s theme Sound Vision Trustee Maxine Stride said: “Looking at the great stories from last year we wanted this year to be a celebration of the people and organisations across the country that go the extra mile, aiding others, making a difference, and elevating their communities. Not forgetting, of course, the heroes at all our local radio stations breaking news, showcasing new talent, and keeping us all company wherever we may be. You are the voice of the community and over the coming months we will be spotlighting some of the incredible stations who sign-up for 2023.”

The eighth annual celebration is being coordinated by Sound Vision’s Local Radio Day team. They are inviting local radio stations to gather ‘Community Hero’ nominations, and then share their incredible stories on the airwaves and social media. Community heroes can be volunteers, care workers, public service professionals, teachers, litter pickers or anyone going above and beyond in helping their fellow citizens or improving their neighbourhoods.

“It could be a friend, a family member or someone you have never met. The Local Radio Day team have their own community heroes; the radio stations producing fantastic local content every day. They are looking forward to spotlighting some of these on social media over the next few months.”

Sound Vision’s CEO Dom Chambers, who recently stepped down as Chair of the Community Media Association, has been pursuing the theme of ‘Community Heroes’. Through the CMA he has been giving out Community Media Champions awards to those whose media work helps their communities. Recently he was in Northern Ireland to recognise the work of civil rights campaigner Fergus O’Hare who helped found the first Irish language radio station Raidió Fáilte.

Dom said, “It was such a pleasure to visit Northern Ireland and meet some of the heroes that have made a substantial difference to community life in the 25 years of The Good Friday Agreement. This experience really highlighted for me the value of that relationship between individual inspirational stories and local broadcasting.”

During his visit, Dom met Sean Og Mac Braoin, from Media Ireland, who is connected with a number of Belfast stations and is an enthusiastic supporter of Local Radio Day. He said, “It’s a great opportunity to engage with politicians and give them a reason to listen to what we’re doing. This gets them in to engage with us.”

Dom continues: “Local radio has seen significant changes and challenges in recent years, but I believe in its resilience. Local broadcasting, often offered at a hyperlocal level, is a growing phenomenon and I’ve seen locally trusted voices strengthening their communities across the UK. By showcasing stations as our community heroes for Local Radio Day 2023 we will celebrate the value of those voices to community life. I can’t wait!”

Sound Vision is partnering with TM Studios who will be producing sung jingles, and with Devaweb for imaging. They are joined again by supporters RadioToday, the Community Media Association, Local Media Network, The Radio Hub, The Radio Academy, Local Radio Support and local radio stations across the country. 

Last year’s theme was ‘Celebrate the Sound’, and the collective efforts of participating radio stations achieved a social media reach of more than 1.5 million with the hashtag #LocalRadioDay. The team is keen to see that number grow this year. 

Maxine Stride: “We can’t wait to see local radio stations nationwide celebrating Local Radio Day. Showcasing their local community heroes, shouting out amazing charities, discovering untold stories of kindness and generosity, and encouraging a new generation of budding community heroes to follow their example.”

To join in with Local Radio Day 2023 visit localradioday.co.uk. Even if they have participated in previous years, stations will need to register to receive this year’s promo pack full of ideas, the 2023 jingle, and new social media assets. Use #LocalRadioDay on Friday 20th of October and follow Local Radio Day on social media for updates. 

Sound Vision is a charity dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through inclusive development, education, creativity and communications.