More than 8 million people are now able to tune into community radio stations and demand is still high for licences, Ofcom’s first Annual Report of Community Radio reveals.

Over 130 community stations are now broadcasting across the UK, with another 50 preparing to launch.

These not-for-profit radio stations cover small geographical areas and each typically provides 81 hours of original and distinctive output a week – mostly locally produced.

Community radio licensing was introduced by Ofcom and the first licence was awarded in March 2005.

Ofcom’s press release can be found here: http://tr.im/h9Rt

The full report can be found here: http://bit.ly/ofcom09