More than 100 volunteers power Roch Valley Radio as World Radio Day 2026 is marked

Friday, 13 February 2026 07:20

Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

World Radio Day is today, 13 February 2026, and is a moment to celebrate the impact of broadcasting across the globe, it is also a chance to recognise the people behind the microphone who keep local radio alive every single week.

Roch Valley Radio broadcasts on DAB radio, smart speaker, online and through our mobile apps.

Broadcasting on DAB digital radio, we cover Rochdale, Oldham and Tameside through our East Manchester transmitters as well as Bury and Bolton.

World Radio Day was proclaimed in 2011 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, known as UNESCO, and has been marked annually since 2012. The date reflects the launch of United Nations Radio on 13 February 1946.

For Roch Valley Radio, the day is about something closer to home. More than 100 volunteers give their time each week to produce programmes, gather local news, promote community events and support charities across the borough.

From early morning presenters to late-night specialist music hosts, the station’s schedule is built almost entirely by local people. Many balance broadcasting with full-time jobs, family life and other commitments, yet still turn up week after week to keep the output strong and consistent.

News volunteers attend council meetings, cover community events and speak to residents about the issues that matter to them. Others work behind the scenes, managing social media, editing audio, updating the website and supporting outside broadcasts at fetes, fundraisers and town centre events.

The station also provides opportunities for people who may never have stepped inside a studio before. Students, retirees and those looking to build confidence or learn new skills are given training and support.

For some, it has led to careers in media with the likes of Sky Sports, BBC, Channel 4, Bauer, and Global. For others, it has simply created friendships and a sense of belonging.

David Murphy, one of the Directors of Roch Valley Radio, said;

"Radio remains one of the most accessible forms of media. It reaches people at home, at work and on the move. In our boroughs of Bury and Rochdale, it remains a platform for local voices, businesses, and causes.

The work our team does on a day-to-day basis, and the reach we get through our website traffic, social media, and radio broadcasting, reaches thousands each day, providing news insights, entertainment and a voice someone can listen to, making it worthwhile."

On World Radio Day, Roch Valley Radio is not only recognising the history of broadcasting but also celebrating the dedication of our volunteers. The efforts ensure that the borough has a strong, independent voice and a station rooted firmly in the community it serves.