UK - Community Media White Paper

The UK's Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has just published the White Paper 'Communities in control: real people, real power', which contains a section on community media on pages 59-62, including a case study from Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) on page 62. Among other things, it announces also an 'Empowerment Fund of at least £7.5 million to support national third sector organisations turn key empowerment proposals into practical action.'

The report can be downloaded from
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/886045.pdf

The government paper describes what they're trying to do and is inviting feedback.

Communities in control: real people, real power was launched on 9 July 2008. This White Paper is about passing power to communities and giving real control and influence to more people. Our key themes are power, influence and control: who has power, on whose behalf is it exercised, how is it held to account, and how can it be diffused throughout the communities we live in. It is about democracy, and how democratic practices and ideals can be applied to our complex, modern society.

The White Paper does not signify the end of work in this area. It is intended as a catalyst for change and its success will be measured over the medium term. Communities in Control contains an annex which gives an indication of plans for implementation. Some elements of the White Paper will be subject to formal consultation during the summer months. We will publish a full Implementation Plan shortly. Some of the policies within the White Paper will require legislation.
These will feature in the UK Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic Regeneration Bill, which forms part of the draft 2008/2009 legislative programme.

We welcome your thoughts on our White Paper, your feedback will shape future policy. To comment:

* send an email to communityempowerment@communities.gsi.gov.uk
* make a posting on our Communities in Control discussion forum
* respond to Hazel Blears' seven day empowerment blog



It looks like UK government is making extensive use of twitter.com, sometimes for shortperiods (reminds me of the short period radio station licences (RSL's). They say you can also keep up-to-date with empowerment news by following Communities and Local Government's 7 day twitter channel which will run from 9 to 18 July 2008 (excluding the weekends).