Riverside Radio welcomed Media Minister Ian Murray to its studios last week, as the Government unveiled its new Local Media Action Plan which is the first strategy of its kind in a generation.

The visit showcased the vital role community radio plays across South West London, with the Minister meeting founder and Managing Director Jason Rosam, alongside board members Lesley Strachan and Martin Adams.

During the tour, Mr Murray met Riverside’s volunteer news reporters, including two journalism students currently on work placements, and discussed how stations like Riverside are helping train the next generation of journalists while providing trusted local news.

He also caught up with Sports Editor Ben Heys, before heading into the studio to watch a live news bulletin and the start of The Riverside Drive show with presenter Ian Barclay.

Supporting young people and the next generation

In Riverside’s second studio, the Minister met young participants from the Riversiders Saturday Radio Club - run in partnership with SoundVision. He spoke with SoundVision founder and CEO Dom Chambers about the impact of community radio, drawing on his experience visiting more than 140 stations across the UK.

The session highlighted how Riverside is helping young people build confidence, develop skills, and find pathways into the media industry.

Community storytelling at its heart

The visit also shone a spotlight on The Wandsworth Way, Riverside Radio’s ambitious community radio soap opera. Director Lesley Strachan spoke to the Minister about the project, which has involved around 150 local people as writers and actors in partnership with Theatre503 and Wandsworth Council.

Funded as part of the Mayor of London’s Borough of Culture programme, the series reaches its 40th and final episode this week — marking a major milestone for community storytelling in the borough.

Minister backs community radio

Mr Murray later joined long-serving presenter Nicolette Wilson Clarke for an on-air interview about the Government’s new Local Media Action Plan.

He emphasised the importance of investment in the sector, saying:

“It’s a significant investment—we’re doubling the funding available for community radio. This is a real commitment from government to say that local journalism and local communities matter, and that these stations should be supported not just to survive, but to thrive.”

He also highlighted the importance of trusted local journalism:

“This Local Media Action Plan is about trying to boost the sector and make sure that local ears and local eyes have access to local journalism—good quality journalism that has editorial backing to it.”

And underlined the wider role of stations like Riverside:

“Community radio stations are the glue that could potentially hold those communities together - and that’s something we should be investing in.”

“An important part of local life”

Riverside Radio founder Jason Rosam said:

“It was an honour to welcome the Minister and show him how Riverside Radio has become such an important part of local life across South West London. From helping journalism students gain real on-air experience, to our community soap The Wandsworth Way, and our work with SoundVision supporting young people — everything we do is rooted in our community.”

He added:

“The increased funding is welcome, but more needs to be done to ensure the long-term sustainability of community radio. Too many stations have already been lost, and many continue to face real financial challenges.”

Jason also shared plans for the future, including the development of a new London Community Radio Network to help stations collaborate and access new funding opportunities.

Riverside Radio continues to serve communities across Wandsworth, Merton, Richmond and Lambeth - providing trusted local news, entertainment, and opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

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