Bradford Community Broadcasting entering its 30th Year: A Story of Resilience and Renewal

By Dom Burch , chair at Bradford Community Broadcasting

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In the heart of West Yorkshire, Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) has long been a cornerstone of local culture and community engagement. But like many volunteer-led organisations, we've had to navigate the choppy waters of a post-pandemic world.

The last 18 months has been one of adaptation, resilience, and, most importantly, renewal for us at BCB.

When we reopened our doors in Autumn 2021, there was a collective sigh of relief. The anticipation from our team was palpable; they were ready to return to the 'good old days.' But as we settled back in, it became clear that the world had shifted on its axis. Our volunteer base, a bustling community of more than 200 before lockdown, dropped to around 100.

The pandemic had clearly left its mark, altering life courses, but also highlighting that making radio together in a shared space is what makes us special at BCB - not people simply recording a programme at home and emailing it in to us.

The challenges didn't deter us; they fuelled a new resolve. Throughout the last year, we've been on a mission to rebuild the confidence of our volunteers and staff. We've had to be agile, to pivot and find new ways of working that align with the changing times. With a leaner team, due to fixed-term project funding constraints, we've focused on our core activities—community engagement, radio broadcasting, training, and volunteer support.

One of the highlights has been the formation of the Open Minds group, funded by a small grant from Bradford Council.

This group, comprised of individuals with lived experience in managing mental health, underwent radio skills training and now produces regular programs addressing mental health issues. It's a testament to the power of community radio as a platform for social change and giving people a voice who would otherwise go unheard.

Our partnership with Rainbow Academy primary school has also been another beacon of hope.

Thanks to renewed funding from the Manjit Wolstenholme Fund, we've been able to focus on empowering the next generation of broadcasters.

The joy of hearing young voices on the radio is magic. The features produced by the kids have a power to connect in ways that seasoned pros would find hard to beat.

The announcement that Bradford will become the City of Culture 2025 has added a new layer of excitement. We're already planning transformative programmes that will make BCB an integral part of this cultural renaissance. Not simply reporting on events, but being in it, in the heart of the City, creating culture and building community.

Of course, challenges remain. The search for a new home for BCB is ongoing, as our current premises are slated for demolition. The delay in redevelopment plans for our future permanent home at has added a layer of complexity. But we're committed to overcoming these hurdles.

As we look to the future, our vision is clear: to be even more community-centric – firmly placing the community front and centre within BCB.

We will aim to reach further into the Bradford district – be that Keighley, Ilkley, Queensbury or Denholme, broadcasting from community venues and deepening our engagement across the district.

We remain incredibly thankful to our funders, who have continued to support us, even stepping up to help cover the rising cost of living. Their support ensures that BCB remains a vital asset in Bradford.

The road ahead is long, but the journey is one we're excited to take, hand in hand with the people we serve.

So here's to resilience, to renewal, and to the unbreakable spirit of community broadcasting in Bradford.

Tune in www.bcbradio.co.uk/player