Community Media Association ‘Summer Gathering’ – Saturday 13th June 2026
If you’ve visited this site before or crossed paths on social media, you will know I like to do a ‘live blog’ of conferences and events I attend. I used to do that over on Twitter, but more recently I tend to do this on BlueSky.
In June 2026 The Community Media Association held a ‘mini-conference’ type event in Melton Mowbray, with a few great speakers including broadcasting and storytelling consultant Valerie Geller. I’ll have to admit I did wonder if her session would just be a collection of all of them ‘advice soundbites’ you’ve heard people repeat for years, but was pleasantly surprised at how engaging the talk was. Yes there was the well worn points you’ve seen before, but tied together in a dynamic presentation with unique insights from her travels to radio stations around the world.
So before this introduction starts to sound like I’m writing a LinkedIn recommendation piece, below I have embedded the BlueSky Posts from the day.
Also, if you’re reading this in November you’re not going mad I have ‘back dated’ this post to the event date but only publishing months down the line…..
On my way down Pork Pie Way to get my @communitymediauk.bsky.social pork pie at their "Summer Gathering" in conference in Melton Mowbury. #communityradio
The mayor of Melton borough starts proceedings with a welcome noting the value of volunteers in his local community and highlights their local station The Eye being the first of the newly licensed community radio stations in 2005.#SummerOfCommunityMedia
Valarie Geller is first speaker."Nothing to do with radio" it's about communicating."In the UK you do have a voice and a microphone – never take it for granted" in comparing with journalism situation on the US.#SummerOfCommunityMedia
Touches on AI."The robot can warm you or can kill you"."The robot can't be hurt or fall in love" let your humanity come through. I can replace you with a robot to do song titles and the weather report."#SummerOfCommunityMedia
The listener is called "you" don't use "them". Talk to individuals.If you don't care it's hard for the audience to care.The magic happens when the listener forgets they are listening to the radio they just think they are there with you.#SummerOfCommunityMedia
Suggested rules on Capital expenditure may change for small capital costs (i.e. replacement kit, equipment for a training programme)#SummerOfCommunityMedia
Danny Lawrence gives examples of marketing. Deal with local petrol station, reducing price of fuel to match the broadcast frequency in lieu of payment for a radio advert.#SummerOfCommunityMedia
A couple of points from Valarie Geller:Don't market until the product is ready.Two different markets. To those who are going to listen and to those who will give you some money.
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