The following activities from 22/23 are some examples that reflect the priorities and purposes of the company.
1. Community Media Festival & Community Media Champions
In May 2022 the CMA held the first community media festival in Luton at the University of Bedfordshire. This replaces the CMA’s conference events from pre-Covid times, and was the CMA’s first big face-to-face get-together event post-Covid. The Festival focused on ‘celebrating the power of inclusion’ and concentrated positively on community radio issues and successes.
In the evening the event awarded nearly a dozen ‘champions’ of community radio, spanning the 39 years of the organisation’s existence. These awards are set to become a regular annual fixture.
2. New Head Office
In the summer of 2022 the CMA moved their main office from Sheffield to Battersea, London. This move was driven in large-part by the changes in staffing, with long-standing employee Bill Best leaving the company. Communications and Membership are now managed by Riverside Radio in Battersea. By moving to London, the CMA is actually located closer to most of the CMA’s key stakeholders. It is also an easier location for the Company Directors to all meet.
3. Members’ Communications and Sector Publicity
This year has seen a new approach to the CMA’s communications. With a new team based at Riverside Radio, the CMA decided to refresh branding & put more emphasis on social media. New branding and logos were launched in December 2022, along with a new look website. The monthly newsletter, in its 7th year of publication, is now sent to over 1000 subscribers – focusing on community radio news such as success stories, regulatory information & technical updates. This, as well as press releases, has led to community radio stories appearing on other outlets such as Radio Today.
4. Lobbying and Sector Representation
The CMA meets quarterly with Ofcom, has fortnightly meetings with DCMS and regular meetings with PPL, PRS & other sector stakeholders. Members’ questions and concerns are raised and then fed back. As part of their role, the CMA Chair has helped to facilitate DCMS meetings involving specific CMA members.
In February 2023, the CMA launched its biggest ever survey of community radio practitioners’ covering a range of policy issues. With 100 responses, the reports that were since published have shaped the future direction of CMA policy and priorities. The findings have been shared and discussed with DCMS. The survey also led to 4 core campaigning issues ahead of the expected Community Radio (Amendment) Order in late 2023, covering issues such as advertising revenue restrictions, analogue radio frequencies & Government funding for community radio.
5. Direct Member Support
Much of the day-to-day work of the CMA focuses on the core aim of supporting and enabling communities to create and disseminate media. Members and prospective members will often contact the CMA with queries about SSDAB legislation, best-practice volunteer training documentation, support in interactions with Ofcom etc. CMA Council member Richard Hilton, previously of the Community Radio Fund (CRF) decision-making panel, has continued to offer bespoke support for members applying for CRF funding. This level of support and service offers CMA members a friendly, knowledgeable place to turn to when questions or issues arise.
Financial review
Principal Funding Sources
The principal funding source for the CMA is the income generated by the sale of ‘Canstream’ online streaming services. This amounted to £55,000 or 67% of the CMA’s income in the year, with community radio stations making up the majority of Canstream customers. Canstream sales in the year were down 9% relative to 21/22.
The other main sources of funding were membership subscriptions (£11,000) and a grant from DCMS (£7,000).
Reserves Policy and Going Concern
The CMA’s reserves policy is that unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets should cover between 6 and 9 months of core expenditure. The core operating budget for 2023/24 is around £40,000 (not including Canstream operating costs), so the reserves target is to hold £20-30,000 in general funds. Reserves at this level would allow the current activities of the organisation to continue for a period in the event of a significant drop in funding.
At the end of the year, the CMA had free unrestricted reserves of £22,000, which is above the minimum target level. However, there was a £5,000 reduction in unrestricted reserves in the year, and Canstream income is in decline. The CMA directors therefore appreciate that the trading and operation of the CMA need significant development to enable the organisation to grow and continue to deliver its aims and objectives.
Investment Policy
An interest-paying instant access savings account is used for funds that are not needed on a day-to-day basis. There are currently no significant funds available for long-term investment.