Crispin Blunt praises the work of Susy Radio 103.4 (http://www.susyradio.com/) Community Radio for East Surrey and North Sussex and other community radio stations for their contributions during the Coronavirus outbreak

Noting that: "Community radio is a key lifeline for local information and human company, especially for those that are self-isolating and alone. Community radio is invaluable to community life and has played an important role during the Coronavirus pandemic by sharing information and offers of help and support to local residents."

Whilst doing everything within their power to maintain their services, community radio stations have been under huge pressure since the lockdown began. With their usual means of income and fundraising being affected by the pandemic, community radio stations are in urgent need of securing extra funding.

A consortium of over 100 local radio stations, has written to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to press the case for Community Radio stations to receive payment for playing Government advertisements and public service announcements, as Commercial Radio stations currently do.

Nus Ghani, MP has said : "Community radio stations such are real lifelines to many constituents and I thank them for all they have been doing during the Coronavirus pandemic. I have written to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Ofcom to try and secure increased funding for community radio stations, and I hope to receive positive news regarding this important issue in the near future."