Peace FM, a radio station committed to promoting peace and community cohesion in Manchester, has just received one of a very limited number of full time community radio licences from the broadcasting regulator Ofcom. With stiff competition from other community radio groups in the city, the station will be run by Peace Full Media Group, part of local community alliance CARISMA, and staffed by a team of enthusiastic volunteers from all walks of life.
Anthony Weekes, DJ, says "We are absolutely over the moon - it's a triumph for the local community. However, this is just the beginning! The building of peace and respect requires the input of all parts of our community. DJs can raise a public debate on the issues people experience in their lives and get people talking. Through phone-ins we can grow understanding and give people a voice about how they feel, what they think, and what we see as part of the solution. Just acknowledging that we need to talk already grows a sense of community and respect."
Programs will share music, news and information and generate debate and thoughts on how to further build community in Moss Side and the wider inner South Manchester community. Peace FM is committed to entertaining its listeners as well as creating new skills, boosting community pride and enabling residents to have better dialogue and discussion together on important issues. It will be run by people who live and work in the area as a resource for the people of the area and will feature specific ways people can get actively involved in Moss Side and inner south Manchester community life. The announcement of 3 new licenses across Greater Manchester also means that the whole of the city of Manchester now has a community radio service, adding to the existing stations ALLFM96.9 and WythenshaweFM97.2. The FM licence will initially run for five years from the start of transmission, which can start within two years.
Erinma Bell, chair of CARISMA, said, "PEACE FM will provide a cohesive and inclusive voice primarily for the African Caribbean community of Manchester. Community radio can do amazing things in our communities and this will provide great opportunities for local people to be employed or volunteer as well as offering training. It gives us the chance to continue to forge positive links with local and national organisations both in the voluntary and private sector and we are looking for partners and sponsors to come alongside this fantastic chance to tell good news stories about our area and all the work for peace that goes on here."
Local MP Tony Lloyd said "I am delighted by this news because this is exactly what the community needs to bring people together to make the word 'community' a reality and create a voice for ordinary people."