Many older people feel that their tastes are not catered for in mainstream media; that the music they like and the issues they face are often overlooked. Launched in 2009 Vintage Radio is an online community radio station in Birkenhead, Merseyside that is run by older people for older people and aims to put this right. It has given 60 volunteers aged over 50 the chance to run the station most of whom have no previous online, IT, or radio experience.
Recent shows include sessions with residents of care homes in Merseyside, talking about their memories. This breaks the isolation that those in care homes face and shows that older people can still learn new skills and contribute to society.
The judges were impressed by the way that Vintage Radio engages older people in the whole process, using the web and social media to give a voice to people who are not normally heard. It also provides entertainment and news to people who may be isolated and feeling left out by mainstream media.
