'One City, Many Voices' - BCB's vision is from the heart of Bradford

By Dom Burch BCB chair and volunteer presenter of Bradford and Beyond

At BCB, we believe that everyone has a story to tell, a voice to be heard, and a role to play in shaping the community. Our mission is not just to broadcast radio programmes but to be a catalyst for social change, community cohesion, and individual empowerment. We are not merely a radio station; we are a community hub, a training ground, and a sanctuary where marginalised voices find resonance and representation.

Our core values—Equality and Fairness, Respect and Kindness, Being Bold and Courageous, Recognising and Celebrating Success, and Striving for Excellence—are not just words on paper; they are the living, breathing ethos that permeates every aspect of our work.

These values guide us in creating a space that actively includes and reflects Bradford's rich and diverse communities, advocating for those less heard, and challenging the status quo. They inspire us to build a culture of respect and kindness, where everyone from volunteers to listeners feels welcomed and valued. And they drive us to strive for excellence in all we do, constantly reflecting, adapting, and innovating to serve our communities better.

As we look to the future and our imminent move to Kala Sangam in 2025, our vision, "One City, Many Voices," is an ambitious yet natural extension of these values. It aims to deepen our impact by expanding our reach, diversifying our programming, and intensifying our community engagement efforts.

This initiative is not just about BCB; it's about Bradford. It's about giving a platform to the young mother from Holmewood who has a passion for her local community; it's about empowering a refugee who wants their voice to be heard; it's about amplifying and celebrating LGBTQ+ young people who want to advocate for greater acceptance and understanding.?

We have a proven track record of making a tangible difference in the lives of our community members. From our partnerships with local schools to our collaborations with mental health organisations, we have demonstrated our commitment to leveraging radio as a tool for positive social impact. Our team, many of whom have their own personal lived experiences of the challenges we aim to address, are not just members of staff, but passionate community advocates.?

As we look to the future, we see a Bradford where every voice is not just heard but celebrated, where community radio is not just a medium but a movement, and where BCB is not just a station but a cornerstone of community life.

The next few years will be challenging. Raising ￡250000 each year to keep the lights on is no mean feat. But it will also be extremely exciting as we embark on a new leg of our journey.

We are relishing being at the heart of Bradford 2025, not just reporting on the City of Culture, but serving as a catalyst for untold stories to be unearthed and shared.

Our move to Kala Sangam in August 2025 is also beginning to take shape, and as we make our final plans for the move, we will also not lose sight of where we are today, and the important role we play in the lives of our 200 volunteers.

With your continued support, we can turn our vision into a reality, ensuring that BCB continues to be a beacon of diversity, democracy, and dignity for many years to come.