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Community Media Association

About the Community Media Association

The Community Media Association (CMA) is the UK representative body for the Community Media sector and is committed to promoting access to the media for people and communities. It aims to enable people to establish and develop community based communications media for empowerment, cultural expression, information and entertainment.

Founded in 1983, the CMA is a non-profit making organisation, supporting Community Radio and Television and community-based Internet projects. It represents Community Media to Government, industry and regulatory bodies. Membership currently exceeds 600, bringing together established organisations, aspirant groups and individuals within the sector. The CMA provides a range of advice, information and consultancy, offering support to anyone with an interest in the sector.

An All Party Group of MPs and Lords supports the principles of Community Media and assists in raising the profile of the organisation and its aims to political decision-makers. Much of the CMA's work has a strategic emphasis and in 2004 the organisation was heavily involved in liaison with Government regarding recent actual and proposed legislation on Community Radio, Public Service Broadcasting, BBC Charter Review, Local and Community Television, the Broadcasting Code, Media Literacy, Digital Switchover, the Community Media Fund and Spectrum allocation.

Much of the CMA's work concentrates on supporting the sector and making resources available for this as well as facilitating organisations and individuals in reaching audiences with their work. As part of this, in May 2003, the Community Media Association launched The Showcase; the world's first streaming media archive of radio, TV, internet projects and training material from the community media sector. The CMA also operates a streaming media server, allowing members to webcast free of charge. The CMA holds two main events annually, The Festival of Community Media, and an annual Conference and AGM.

The Community Media Association also publishes a quarterly Community Media review magazine, 'Airflash' and has an informative website including information about funding, events within the sector, a map of our membership across the UK and a members section.

For further information please visit www.commedia.org.uk