Crowdfunding campaign to preserve independent local radio in Brighton + Hove

RadioReverb, Brighton and Hove’s not-for-profit radio station, has today (10 September) launched an online crowdfunding campaign to protect the future of independent local radio in Brighton.

RadioReverb is crowdfunding the £5,500 it requires to purchase a new transmitter. The team also need to update vital equipment necessary for broadcasting their vibrant mix of community-focussed speech and music programmes. These investments will enable RadioReverb to grow, and ensure the local Brighton and Hove community still have a voice following the departure of Juice FM.

Global, Europe’s biggest radio company, purchased Juice FM in January 2018 and, as a result, went off-air in August 2018. This has left members of the community concerned about whether the Brighton and Hove community will continue to be served by the resulting changes in the local radio scene.

RadioReverb is determined that the community of Brighton and Hove will not lose out, and that they will continue to hear local voices represented 24/7 on RadioReverb. Its team of home grown-broadcasters have been creating independent, not-for-profit local radio for over ten years – but now need an extra funding boost from their listeners!

RadioReverb is ‘the sound of your city’ and broadcasts an eclectic mix of music and speech programmes. Listeners will also find shows presented by, and for, older people, people with learning disabilities, new parents, people with mental health problems, the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV – who all live locally!

Listener surveys compare RadioReverb to a cross between Radio4 and BBC 6 music, but with a local edge. RadioReverb’s crowdfunding campaign will help to bring these programmes to more people and to include even more local voices on-air.

RadioReverb director Tracey Allen said: “Local radio is getting smaller, but RadioReverb is getting bigger!
“After over 10 years of making community-focused, not-for-profit radio, RadioReverb now needs your help to buy a new transmitter that will enable us to improve and expand our vital service.
“Enjoy listening to RadioReverb? Then give something back by donating so we can continue broadcasting our unique, socially conscious, local radio programmes and support the local community!”

Supporters of local radio and RadioReverb have until 7 October to donate to the Crowdfunder. A selection of exciting rewards are also on offer in exchange for donations including the opportunity to go behind the scenes on a live programme, and even the chance to co-host a show.

To donate to RadioReverb’s Crowdfunder visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/radioreverb