No matter who you are or where you’re from, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on us all. For those who work in the entertainment and arts industries, their income and way of life disappeared overnight when venues across the country were ordered to close back in March. Many have now been closed for over nine months, with those who earn a living from them currently stuck in limbo. While times are especially tough for the musicians, DJs, events staff and arts professionals among us, Radio Cardiff has continued to give its volunteers an outlet during these unprecedented times.
Radio Cardiff (98.7FM) is the only community radio station serving Wales’ capital city and has now been a part of Safer Wales for almost two years. The award-winning station and its shows are predominantly run by volunteers, many of whom normally work within the wider entertainment and art industries. Despite the various challenges that the pandemic has presented, the station has made many positive developments over the last few months thanks to hard work and dedication of its and staff and volunteers. We caught up with the station’s Head of Radio, Donna Zammit, to find out more…
As Wales prepares to come out of lockdown, why is radio especially important at the moment?
Radio has played a massive part in many different ways during the pandemic and will continue to do so. With radio being instant, we’re able to quickly give people the latest updates on what is happening as well as information on where to find local support services such as food banks. Many families and people of all ages are struggling now more than ever before as a result of the pandemic, so to be able to find out what help is out there for them is extremely important. Of course, music also helps to keep people’s spirits up and for those who are elderly or live on their own, radio might be the only form of company that they have right now.
What adjustments have you had to make to ensure that Radio Cardiff is still able to do all of this?
All of our chat shows are having to be pre-recorded at the moment which has been tough as they would usually be live, and the dynamic is totally different. With everything that is going on, we’ve also been slightly struggling for content in some areas as there are no festivals or events to cover like we normally would. Saying that, we have still managed to consistently put out high-quality shows such as our Pride show and celebrate important events like Black History Month. It has been especially hard to see our DJs struggling, as their main jobs are gone for the time being. I’m a DJ myself, with my role at Radio Cardiff being part time so I know exactly what they’re going through.
As someone with strong links to the industry, what’s your stance on the impact the pandemic has had on the music industry and the arts industry as a whole?
From what I can see, it has devastated the industry. I’m personally friends with many singers, DJs and different types of artists who have all been affected. Everyone is devastated and the fact that that there is currently no end in sight makes it even harder. All of us keep asking if there be anything to come back to once the pandemic is eventually over, when we have a vaccine or whatever is needed to save lives. Many venues were struggling even before Covid and it’s sad to say, but this could be the final nail in the coffin for some of them.
On a more positive note, can you please tell me a little bit more about the exciting developments that Radio Cardiff has made over the last few months?
During the pandemic, we’ve managed to move into a brand-new studio which is very exciting! The move has provided us with a welcome distraction from what’s happening and has given us something else to focus on during these tough times. We have new soundproofing and a new news studio, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it all now that it’s finished. A few of our DJs and volunteers have seen it already as they’ve helped out with it, but I’ve asked them to keep it under wraps as much as possible. We have also applied to further broaden our FM frequency and go onto DAB radio, which means that we’d be able to reach more people and have secured an exciting new partnership with Action for Children that will allow us to provide opportunities to young people too. Even though it’s been tough on us all, these developments have given us something to feel positive about and makes our staff and volunteers excited to go back. We all need something to look forward to at the moment, now more than ever, and I hope that we’ll be able to make the most of our new facilities sooner rather than later.
Radio Cardiff is broadcast live and direct from the heart of the city, serving the multicultural communities who live in and around Cardiff. The station offers a diverse range of music as well as local and national news and community programmes. Please visit: http://radiocardiff.org/ to find out more.