Mr. Declan Gibbons:

As Sally said in opening, community radio is a distinct third sector in the Irish media. It is legally defined as not-for-profit and democratically owned and controlled by local citizens. It is more than just another media sector. It has been established to be a community development resource. We often remind ourselves that community radio is 10% about radio and 90% about community. Programming is based on the provision of a social benefit to the community and support for local democracy, technological training and job creation.

Community radio has been identified by several European states as an extension of public service broadcasting. It is recognised by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe's committee of Ministers as a valuable resource.