Salford City Radio
On 94.4FM and online
Broadcasting since 2007, Salford City Radio is a multi award-winning, not-for-profit community radio station. Dozens of volunteers each week bring the station to the airwaves.
Salford City Radio champions fresh, unique radio with a strong local flavour and relevance. Every show is produced and presented by volunteers, providing Salford with a distinctive service that highlights local news, people, topics, and events.
The station is renowned for its diverse music selection, featuring everything from unsigned bands and emerging artists to specialised music genres.
Sadly however, the future of the station is uncertain unless new funding can be secured.
Read about the Campaign to Save Salford City Radio.
As a community-run station, Salford City Radio relies on the support of sponsors including Salix Homes, plus donors and advertisers, to stay on the air. You can offer your support through JustGiving.
Meet the faces of Salford City Radio
Salford City Radio is run by a network of more than 65 volunteers, alongside Station Manager Jill Bowyer. For many of the volunteers, who range in age from 21 to 80, the station is not just a hobby but a vital lifeline, providing them with a sense of purpose, community and support.
Find out more about these dedicated volunteers and what makes Salford City Radio so special to them.
Steve Pendlebury
Affectionately called ‘the fixer’, Steve manages the technical side of the station and presents his own show, Tune Raiders, featuring music and musical history from the 1950s and earlier.
Having suffered a stroke at just 36, Steve was told he’d never walk again. He defied medics, but was left disabled and with limited mobility. He also underwent a kidney transplant the year after his stroke. Steve, who is also a widower, says volunteering at the station is his lifeline.
“This station keeps me going, it keeps me alive. Being disabled, I have experienced discrimination before, but here I feel valued and accepted. I’ve been passionate about electronics since I was just three years old, so when something breaks, I know how to fix it. Volunteering here allows me to do what I love and be part of a team that appreciates my skills.”
Allan Shalks
Allan has been volunteering at the station for 12 years after honing his craft in hospital radio. He presents a range of shows, with his consumer advice programme being a listener favourite. On his show, Allan uncovers scams, shares money-saving tips, and offers practical advice to help people navigate financial challenges.
He says: “I’m passionate about this place, we all are – and it would be a huge loss to the community if it had to close.”
Colin Weston
Colin was a continuity announcer at Granada for more than 30 years. He began volunteering at the station 12 years ago and presents an evening show featuring music of the 50s and 60s.
He’s passionate about the radio station, and everything it represents. He said: “It’s not just about doing the show – it’s a community here and I look forward to coming in every week and seeing everybody.”
Matthew Ainscough
At just 21, Matthew is the station’s youngest volunteer. After studying journalism, he is gaining skills and experience as a Trainee Studio Manager and also presents his own show – Alternative Punk and Goth.
He explains: “This station means everything to me. Being a voice in the community and having a place like this to come to is incredible. It’s honestly one of the best places on earth.”
Jane Wood & Mike Scantlebury
Jane and Mike were amongst the first volunteers at the station when it launched back in 2007.
The husband and wife duo, who are also folk singers, present their own show, Green Giraffes and Worms, which aims to inform listeners about local environmental issues, climate change, and practical initiatives like how to grow your own food cheaply and easily.
“Community radio is our passion,” said Jane. “We need an outlet, and this is our platform to talk about the environment, share ideas, and inspire positive change in our local area. It’s a space where we can raise awareness and engage people in important conversations.”
David Gray
As a funeral celebrant by day, David is a larger-than-life character with a diverse background, having also worked as a priest, social worker, stand-up comedian, and interfaith minister. He presents The Witches Hour, featuring Pagan music from around the world, as well as other programming that highlights the diverse voices and traditions within the Pagan community.
He explained: “Community radio provides a voice for the marginalised community, working to demystify and challenge stereotypes. Our aim is to uplift and empower by addressing issues that often go unspoken, bringing them out of the shadows and into the light.”