Brian Black reports on the struggles of the Belfast Community Radio (BCR) station.
Rescued from the financial precipice "at the 11th hour" and subject to significant structural changes, this episode of Counterpoint looks at the history and role of Belfast Community Radio and the tension between its community roots and increasing commercial pressures.
The collision between its community focused ideals and the financial reality the station found itself confronting, is noted by Chris Nixon (BCR Chief Executive). He states, "if we hadn't had the shareholders come behind us... with the extra equity, we would have closed down on Monday". He believes that the station was not run as it should have been, "they (former staff) were having fun at the cost of shareholders and I feel, the listeners".
So, now, the big question; is it a commercial or community radio station? David Lyle (advertising executive), Bob McLaughlin (BCR Chairman), Adrian Keened (Horizon Community Radio) and Jack Bryne (Irish Community Broadcasting Assoc.) share their thoughts.
In conclusion, the suggestion is that BCR now represents something of a compromise - community centred in terms of content but, necessarily, financed through commerical means.