The Cambridge Declaration on the Importance of Student Radio

The Cambridge Declaration on the Importance of Student Radio

At the recent Alternatives2019 International Student Radio Conference in the UK, at the University of Cambridge, delegates from 15 countries came together to sign an important declaration about student radio.

Adopted by the attendees of Alternatives2019, 2nd International Student Radio Conference,
Meeting at Jesus College, University of Cambridge
August 14-16, 2019

We, attendees of the Alternatives2019 conference, believe that:

  • Student radio is an important activity for students to improve their communication skills and assist in the development of their self-identity
  • Student radio is a vital outlet for student expression, including ideas, opinions and the reporting of news
  • Student radio provides content that is unique to the medium of student radio, and cannot be found anywhere else
  • Student radio plays music that cannot be heard anywhere else, and provides an important role in bringing new artists to the public’s attention
  • Student radio serves not just the campus communities in which they are located, but also the local communities in which they reside
  • Collaboration between radio stations in different countries is enriching for all involved as it encourages the sharing of ideas and content and fosters more effective communication and shared understanding that transcends borders and brings different cultures together
  • Furthermore, we believe that this Declaration will contribute to strengthening the World College Radio Day initiative as a global network of student broadcasters and an event that unites the world every year.

Signed by the delegates, Friday, August 16, 2019.