The Community Media Association has appointed its new Executive Committee during its Annual General Meeting at the BBC in Birmingham.
Terry Lee is the new Chair, Vijay Umroa is Vice Chair, Richard Hilton is Treasurer and Jason Rosam leads on communication and membership management for the community radio group.
Terry, who’s a senior tutor in radio and audio at the University of Bedfordshire and runs Radio LaB 97.1FM, said “I’ve worked in community radio my whole professional life. I’ve learned so many skills, gained so much confidence, made so many friends and even met my wife, 15 years ago this month in Norwich!
“I hope as CMA Chair, I am able to give something back, campaigning for a better future for not-for-profit local broadcasting.”
Terry paid tribute to former Chair Dom Chambers who’s been with the CMA for twelve years saying he’s a “tough act to follow.”
New Vice Chair Vijay Umroa has run the multi-lingual community radio station EAVA FM in Leicester since 2007.
BBC Local Radio Early Breakfast presenter Jason Rosam, who also runs digital community station Riverside Radio in London, will continue to lead on communications and membership management and long standing CMA council member Richard Hilton remains treasurer.
Outgoing Chair Dom Chambers said: “It is wonderful to see the organisation on a trajectory of growth and impact. I have no doubt this will continue under Terry Lee’s leadership as Chair and supported by Vijay, Jason and Richard.
“We will see great work from this team. I know this because they are already delivering it.”
The CMA is run by a council elected by its members and currently consists of the new executive team and five other people who manage or work in community media from across the UK including Sian Medford (NewStyle Radio Birmingham), Suzie Stephens (Siren Radio Lincoln), Danny Lawrence (Gateway 97.8 Basildon), Javed Sattar (AWAZ FM Glasgow) and newly elected council member Neil Munday (SUSY Radio Redhill).
In addition to the new Executive Committee, the CMA has announced the date and location of the 40th anniversary Community Media Festival which takes place on Saturday 28th October, 2023, at the birth place of local radio in the UK, Leicester.
The Community Media Festival is an opportunity for practitioners, activists, and academics to come together to celebrate the achievements of not for profit broadcasters over the past 40 years, and to look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Festival will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops.
Jason Rosam said: “We are so excited to be celebrating our 40th anniversary with our community media festival, which promises to be a fantastic day of learning, sharing, and networking. We encourage anyone with an interest in community media to join us for what promises to be an inspiring and informative event.”
Photo: Left to Right Jason Rosam, Terry Lee, Vijay Umroa, Richard Hilton at The Mailbox, BBC Birmingham
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk