‘The power of community-driven media’: Community radio station marks 10th birthday
A community radio station marked its tenth birthday on Sunday with a fresh charity appeal.
Riverside Radio was launched on January 12, 2015, by former BBC Radio London presenter Jason Rosam.
Originally set up as Wandsworth Radio, the digital station has grown into a prominent voice for South west London, offering a platform for community stories and music across Wandsworth, Merton, Richmond, and Lambeth for a decade.
To commemorate its tenth anniversary, Riverside Radio has launched a charity appeal in support of Sound Vision, the station’s long-time charity partner.
Sound Vision funds the Riverside Radio club, which supports young people living in South west London with media training. The charity appeal aims to expand the programme.
Mr Rosam said: “Riverside Radio stands as a testament to the power of community-driven media.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful to everyone who has contributed to our journey. Here’s to the next decade of broadcasting excellence!”
Mr Rosam decided to set up a community radio station for Wandsworth in 2013, having seen a number of online radio services set up elsewhere across the capital.
He hosted a meeting at Battersea Arts Centre in May 2013, which saw more than 60 people turn up, brimming with programme ideas.
Turning to funding, the group raised more than £4,000 from the community for studio equipment and software.
After receiving a Big Society Award from Wandsworth council, which offered £5,000, Wandsworth Radio found a home above Wandsworth Oasis charity shop in Battersea Park Road.
On January 12, 2015, the station was officially opened by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Stuart Thom, and the new year began with a week of rehearsals taking place.
Since its founding, the service has received a number of awards including ‘Digital and RSL Station of the Year’ at the Community Media Awards 2018 in Sheffield.
That same year the group decided to change the station’s name to Riverside Radio, to broaden its appeal for the four boroughs of coverage.
Riverside Radio was awarded a licence by Ofcom in July 2020, to broadcast on the London Trial SSDAB service which went live on August 1, 2020.
That same year, the team built two new studios and moved into its current Broadcast Centre in Battersea Park Road.
From its new home, Mr Rosam launched the services weekday Breakfast show in 2024, sponsored by Battersea Power Station with a live broadcast from Control Room B.
Marsha De Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, said: “That’s ten years of excellent broadcasting, championing local talent and delivering important stories to Battersea and South West London.
“My warmest congratulations on this incredible milestone that shows the power and value of local broadcasting with community at its heart.”
Donations to the charity appeal can be made via the Sound Vision website at soundvision.charity
Pictured top: Founder of Riverside Radio Jason Rosam (right) and his husband (left) in the centre of the photo, standing with Riverside Radio volunteers at The Alexandra, Wimbledon to celebrate the 10th birthday of Riverside Radio (Picture: Riverside Radio)