At a time when the lifestyles of celebrities and the threat of global terrorism seem to dominate our media, there has perhaps never been a greater need in the UK for regional, community-centred forums – forums where local issues and events can be voiced and discussed. So it was a happy day for many when the Media Secretary, Tessa Jowell, announced last year what the Government have called The Communications Act 2003: a grant of half a million pounds that is being made available later this year to fund community radio. ‘Community radio gives local people a real voice,’ she said. ‘It will make a great contribution to British communities in years to come, because its strength lies in its being run by local people, for local people, about local issues.’