“The first thing that I got from community radio was that it gave me access to something that I never thought I could get access for” Evans Shirihuru - Community Radio Volunteer

These are the opening words of "A Voice for Communities" the new 6 part documentary series produced by Grey Heron Media working with Community Radio stations nationwide for Craol the Community Radio Forum of Ireland.  The series explores the ideas behind, and the impact of, Community Radio in Ireland. It was launched by the Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Authority Michael O’Keeffe on Saturday May 26th at the Annual Craol Community Radio Féile in Athlone and will be broadcast on 25 community radio stations across Ireland.

Click here for an 3min excerpt from the first programme

Download Programme 1 - Radio for the Community, by the Community

Download Programme 2 - All Stations Big and Small

Download Programme 3 – The struggle to get on air – Aspirant Stations

Download Programme 4 - Volunteer Led, Volunteer Driven

Download Programme 5 - Community Impact

Download Programme 6 - The Role of CRAOL in building a movement/Facing the future

“A Voice for Communities” maps a unique nationwide community-based movement which is rapidly changing. At the launch , Albertine Denis the Chairperson of Craol recognised that “Community Radio stations are so busy providing a space for their communities to tell their stories, that the compelling narrative of which they are a part, has until now remained unheard. “ She added “This series captures the complexities behind the scenes, marrying stories of the huge voluntary effort involved, with the impacts of community radio stations on the communities we serve”.

“A Voice for Communities” aims to give listeners an insight into the broadcasting process and the ideas and challenges underlying the establishment of community stations. Such stations are rooted in their community and reflect the passions, challenges, stories, and people of their community- their stories make for compelling listening both for the communities they serve and beyond.

“A Voice for Communities” enables the listener to feel a sense of an unfolding story that they too can be a part of. Launching the series Michael O’Keeffe said “The BAI is delighted to have provided funding support to this innovative programme series which demonstrates the positive impact of community radio on communities through the country. Congratulations to all involved in the making of this documentary series.”

This landmark series is produced by Grey Heron Media working with community radio stations nationwide for Craol the Community Radio Forum of Ireland, and will be broadcast across Ireland by over twenty five of Craol’s member stations.

"A Voice for Communities" was made with the support of Sound and Vision, an initiative of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.