Back in 2013, we at Chelmsford Community Radio began our journey to fill a significant gap in the local media landscape of Chelmsford, Essex. We noticed there needed to be a community radio station that genuinely reflected the lives and stories of our city’s people, from Chelmsford to the surrounding villages. We envisioned a place where everyone could come together, share their experiences, and truly be welcome and heard.
Since our inception, we’ve been broadcasting continuously, bringing the community closer, one broadcast at a time. Our first presenters (Dan and Sam) took to the airwaves in 2014, marking the beginning of a new chapter for local broadcasting. By 2015, our commitment and passion were rewarded with an FM license from OFCOM, allowing us to broadcast on 104.4FM. This milestone was just the start; in 2017, we began our FM transmissions, and in 2022, we were thrilled to have our license extended for another five years.
Our studios, funded by the National Lottery, are a testament to what can be achieved with vision and community support. They provide a professional and welcoming environment for all our volunteers and guests, embodying our commitment to quality broadcasting and community engagement.
Central to our ethos are the values of inclusion and kindness. We strive to celebrate the achievements within Chelmsford, encouraging participation from individuals of all ages and abilities. It’s been a launching pad for many of our team, with several members moving on to impressive roles within the BBC, ITV, Bauer, and global media brands like Heart, Radio X, and Capital. Their success stories highlight the impact and opportunities Chelmsford Community Radio offers.
From 2014 to 2022, we were self-sufficient, thanks to our community coffee shop, with all profits directly supporting the station. Although we had to close the shop following the Covid pandemic, our determination didn’t waver. We launched an appeal that raised £35,000, a testament to the support and love from those who support us. Overall, since we started, we’ve raised over £100,000 in grants and support, and approximately £200,000 through various fundraising initiatives, ensuring we keep broadcasting and bringing our community together.
Our station is much more than a collection of individuals; it’s a community where everyone contributes, learns, and grows. We offer training for making radio shows and support fun community events. If you’re interested in supporting us or want to explore advertising opportunities, we’re just an email away.
In all we do, Jude, Matt (our current Directors and Guardians), and the whole team, are committed to delivering not just great radio, but a platform for voices to be heard, talents to be discovered, and community bonds to be strengthened.
Chelmsford Community Radio is more than just a station; it’s a voice of our community, a place where everyone is welcome and where we celebrate the spirit of Chelmsford together.
The station is partly funded by advertising and sponsorship, so if you’d like to help contribute to our running costs whilst supporting a much loved community asset then please email our team via admin@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com and someone will come back to you.
