Future of Radio 2026 Survey

Complete the survey HERE

UK Community Radio Network Calls for Sector‑Wide Response to Ofcom Consultation and Government Radio Review

The UK Community Radio Network (UKCRN) is urging all community radio stations, volunteers, and listeners across the country to share their views in a new sector‑wide survey designed to inform its response to two major policy developments shaping the future of UK radio. The survey invites input ahead of UKCRN’s formal submissions to Ofcom’s current consultation on broadcast licensing priorities and the Government’s newly launched review into the future of radio.

Community radio has become an essential part of the UK’s media landscape, providing trusted local news, cultural representation, and vital social value. As policy decisions made in 2026 will directly influence the sector's sustainability and spectrum access for the next decade and beyond, the UKCRN is encouraging full participation to ensure community voices are heard.

Ofcom is currently consulting on its proposed strategic approach to broadcast radio licensing, which will guide regulatory priorities for the short to medium term. These proposals carry significant implications for community broadcasters, especially those dependent on FM licences, analogue renewals, and SSDAB access for affordable digital carriage.

In addition, DCMS has also announced a comprehensive review to safeguard radio’s future as listening habits continue to shift dramatically. This including considering whether there should be a managed transition away from FM in the 2030s, and if so, the appropriate timescale.The UK Community Radio Network continues to emphasise that community broadcasters, who provide public benefit, hyperlocal content, and social impact unmatched by other sectors, must be fully considered in these national policy discussions. 

With community radio playing a unique and vital role in local engagement, democratic participation, and social cohesion, any decisions about spectrum, regulation, and digital migration must safeguard the sector’s viability. The UKCRN will continue to push this with regulators.

The survey circulated by UKCRN will gather evidence, experiences, and priorities from across the country to ensure that the collective voice of community radio is strongly represented in the national debate.

The survey can be accessed here www.ukcrn.radio/futureofradio2026

The UKCRN is running its survey until the 28th of March in order to submit a sector response to Ofcom by its deadline of the 8th of April.

The UKCRN is also encouraging stations, organisations, and individuals to consider their own responses directly to Ofcom.