It’s that time of year with several community radio events happening in short succession. This late October event held at Gas Street Central where again The UK Community Radio Network’s conference and the annual Community Radio Awards were held on the same day.

As per recent events my ‘live tweets’ have migrated to BlueSky.

A more in-depth write up on some of the topics in the near future, especially on the topic of listener surveys. But for now I’ve just embedded the BlueSky posts for now, so there may be the odd error, and due to poor mobile phone reception in the venue, their are not as many pictures as normal. Again I may edit this and add some more in the future.

In Birmingham for the @ukcrn.bsky.social conference and later Community Radio Awards.Will be doing live update posts throughout the day here on BlueSky

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T08:50:40.485Z

Conference opening with introductions and Rebecca Steers gives over view of last 12 months UKCRN activity.#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:22:33.833Z

Sam Hunt gives a review of Ofcom licensing strategy (similar presentation to session at CMA event a few weeks ago)Sam/ Rebecca outlines no Ofcom not aim to replan FM band.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:29:42.412Z

Highlight deadlines for Ofcom Expression of Interest for new FM/AM licences is Monday 26th.Need quite a bit of detail and suggest new operators need to look closely that there is likely to be frequency.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:35:43.935Z

Also talked about SSDAB coverage extension

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:41:09.676Z

Pictures to follow later (not a very good data signal in the venue)

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:42:00.576Z

Sponsors, and morning agenda

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T11:35:21.490Z

Sponsors, and morning agenda

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T11:35:21.490Z

Session on visualising content with Arran Hodges from Bro radio#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:10:31.473Z

The secret is "local people telling stories""Content that feels relatable and human" …. Don't use AI.Use Stories for "on air now" Reels for highlights.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:14:48.751Z

Recommends A standard for all station content so it's recognisable as yours.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:16:40.285Z

Make content sharable "you then reach people who have never listened before"

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:18:33.866Z

A visualised studio for 100 quid….. 2 webcams turned on their side to shoot vertical into OBS studio on a PC.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:21:17.141Z

Station social media accounts or individual presenter accounts? Strong view from Arran and others run everything through the station account, use collaboration feature to tag in individuals.#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:26:40.575Z

Next session on Community Radio week.Rebecca gives a review of 2026 activities.Did first Parliament action day for Community Radio #ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:29:29.852Z

They are plans to hold Community Radio week again in February 2027

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T13:01:49.559Z

Next session at the UK community radio network conference is with Aradhna Tayal-Leach from the organisation formerly known as The Radio Academy, The Audio Academy.Talk on how they can support people from all sections of the audio / radio industry.#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:45:38.520Z

Talks about value and importance of meeting other people through events etc. this supporting events such as today's.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:51:49.558Z

Aradhna "audio is not going away" quite stats on 85-90% plus radio and audio listening. Increasing podcast and audio book consumption.Do you need to invest in cameras in your studio only a "maybe".

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:57:46.626Z

Aradhna Tayal-Leach at Community Radio network conference

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:59:09.449Z

Session from local community radio station Switch Radio.Bit of history of local radio starting with 80/90s pirate radio groups in Castle Vale estate.Later groups becoming licences community radio station#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:45:21.106Z

Current station based in a tower block includes "Midlands music gureentee" local artist every hour.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:49:53.535Z

Switch sport do lots of sport non league football/ women's football, sometimes with FM/DAB splits of different commentaries.#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T09:58:07.369Z

Funding what doesn't work "funders want numbers… How many people have you helped. Is hard for a station."

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:01:19.623Z

Local station switch gave an overview of their operation

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T11:43:37.750Z

Next session From Community Radio to Paid work with Priya Matharu#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:04:08.026Z

Talks through how winning Community Radio Awards help get foot in the door of commercial radio.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T10:07:53.442Z

From community radio to paid work.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T11:48:28.556Z

Lunch completed and now afternoon sessions at UK Community Radio network conference. Sam Hunt on a new audience measurement system, Vectos Radio presentation on their training school and a panel on "Community Radio, Wider Industry".#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:03:56.212Z

Lunch, chats band now afternoon sessions.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:31:06.061Z

Sam Hunt on his UK government funded development of Open Audience for Community Radio.Notes official aim is to measure impact (if you want to use for sales that's up to you)#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:05:53.061Z

Sam talks of the issue of "listener inflation" of stations over estimating numbers.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:07:55.806Z

Aim for OAMS to to be "pegged to RAJAR" i.e. comparable data.Takes the raw streaming server access log from any server provider.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:12:22.697Z

Using not a LLM "number large number model" to remove bots etc.Highlights an IP address is not a listener. I.e. shared office WiFi or changing mobile data IPs when driving across the country

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:12:35.512Z

Takes online data from RAJAR members and compare to streaming data from non RAJAR stations.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:13:33.046Z

Sam states if you really have big numbers of listeners then RAJAR would be viable.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:16:14.586Z

It is free and open.Looking to on board stations from December.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:17:54.550Z

Will look and feel like RAJAR with quarterly reports.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:21:25.958Z

Session on Vectis Radio from Isle of Wight.#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:23:51.112Z

Radio school works with young people on Island

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:52:08.752Z

Trading programme helps with unrestricted income towards radio station operations.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:56:45.702Z

Next session is discussion on community radio and the wrist industry led by BeBroadcast CEO Josh Wheeler#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T12:47:19.614Z

Dan Richards who works at BBC WM and is involved in Black Country Radio bad thoughts on relationship between Community Radio and BBC. "The BBC probably needs community radio more than CR needs to BBC". Highlighting the increased networking across BBC local radio.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T13:29:28.192Z

Oh now break time and the coffee pot is empty…. But time to have a chat and look at the exhibitor stalls

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T13:30:59.033Z

Radiofeeds Vinnie showing off his "revived" internet radio with some fancy special firmware that uses the Radiofeeds directory to listen find stations.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T13:34:42.885Z

Final few afternoon sessions here at UK Community Radio Network conference

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T13:36:23.681Z

Riverside radio presentation on creating a soap opera as part of Wandsworth borough of culture.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T13:56:38.007Z

Was as much about community legacy working with volunteer actors. You don't need anything more than a microphone and a quiet room. You don't need a fancy BBC style dramas b studio.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T14:03:04.657Z

A drama doesn't bring in millions of listeners per say, but does bring loyalty.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T14:12:11.301Z

Final panel session on diversity in radio and representing different communities.#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T14:23:39.361Z

Interesting comments from panel. Powerful thoughts from Ujima Radio on need for community radio more needs to reflect people like him, or other communities.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T14:46:06.098Z

So after today's @ukcrn.bsky.social conference we look ahead to 2026 Community Radio Awards in Birmingham.But first let's fire up the Tardis to 2016 at Birmingham City University for the first CRA's#ukcrnconnect

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T16:07:57.252Z

People are starting to arrive at The Community Radio Awards in Birmingham this evening.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T17:48:26.307Z

@oldhamcommunityradio.com wins Silver in Elections and Political category.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T18:47:51.130Z

@wfmradio.org takes bronze in Celebrating and Championing Community Radio category.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T18:48:57.126Z

Yours truly with Oldham Community Radio winning certificate.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-24T22:41:56.689Z

And just to wrap up from Community Radio Awards with a great result for Greater Manchester stations.

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-26T10:10:20.781Z

Full list of winners courtesy of Radio Today, with the awards back in Birmingham next year.radiotoday.co.uk/2026/10/comm…

— Phil Edmonds (@philedmonds.uk) 2026-10-26T10:11:55.041Z