As a volunteer-run community radio station, 6 Towns Radio has grown from a passionate local project into a respected platform that informs, connects and celebrates communities across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider county.

The station has become a vital platform for charities, community groups, arts organisations and grassroots campaigns, helping them reach new audiences and raise awareness of the important work they do.

Whether promoting local support services, highlighting community projects or sharing stories that matter to local residents, 6 Towns Radio consistently demonstrates its commitment to social impact and community wellbeing.

The station provides opportunities for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to develop valuable skills in broadcasting, media production, marketing, interviewing, event management and content creation. For many it can be a first step into employment, further education or a new career path. For others, it offers a chance to build confidence, make connections and become part of a supportive community.

Beyond the studio, 6 Towns Radio is deeply embedded within the communities it serves. Its volunteer team can regularly be found at events, festivals, charity fundraisers, community celebrations and cultural activities. Through live broadcasts, interviews and coverage, the station shines a spotlight on local people, organisations and initiatives that might otherwise go unheard.

The organisation invests heavily in the next generation through workshops, training sessions and hands on experiences that introduce young people to broadcasting and media careers. These opportunities provide practical skills, inspire ambition and help young people see pathways into industries that may otherwise feel inaccessible.

A particular strength of the station is its support for grassroots music and emerging talent. Through dedicated programming, live sessions, event partnerships and opportunities for local artists to perform and be interviewed, 6 Towns Radio has played a significant role in nurturing Staffordshire’s creative sector. Many local musicians have received their first radio airplay or public exposure through the station, helping to build confidence, audiences and opportunities.

6 Towns Radio has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District.

She said: “6 Towns Radio is a truly community led organisation that embodies the spirit of Staffordshire. At the heart of 6 Towns Radio is its commitment to people. The station’s welcoming and inclusive approach ensures that anyone with an interest and enthusiasm can get involved, learn new skills and make a meaningful contribution.

“What makes 6 Towns Radio particularly deserving of recognition is that all of this is achieved through the dedication of volunteers who give their time to strengthen their communities. The station creates opportunities, develops skills, supports wellbeing, celebrates local culture and amplifies voices that deserve to be heard.

“Through its commitment to volunteering, education, inclusion and community engagement, 6 Towns Radio continues to make a lasting and measurable difference to people’s lives across Staffordshire, demonstrating exactly what it means to be a business at the heart of its community.”