Spotlight on Arts – Celebrating Local Voices at the Soar Sound Roadshow
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What does community media offer that mainstream broadcasters cannot? How are local radio stations like Utsav Radio and Satsang Radio preserving language, music, and cultural identity in Leicester? Why is the Evington Echo still vital for community storytelling after four decades? What inspires new volunteers to join local journalism, and how can younger generations shape its future? How do events like the Soar Sound Roadshow strengthen connections across diverse communities? How can we get the message across that community media begins with people, not metrics, and how does this approach build resilience for the years ahead?
This episode of Spotlight on Arts takes us to Jubilee Square, where the Soar Sound Roadshow brought together music, dance, and an inspiring mix of community voices. At the heart of the event was a shared commitment to making media accessible and meaningful for local people.
John Coster spoke first with Josh Ramsey from Utsav Radio, a Gujarati-language station that has been a staple for Leicester’s Gujarati-speaking community for decades. Josh described the station’s role in connecting people through music, conversation, and cultural traditions, and reflected on her own journey in media, which began in the early 1980s. Her story illustrated how passion for communication can open unexpected doors, from radio presenting to community television, and back again to radio.
Josh emphasised that community radio remains vital in 2025. For many, especially older listeners, the comfort of familiar voices and music in their own language is irreplaceable. It’s not only about entertainment; it’s about companionship and cultural continuity. She also encouraged young people to seek opportunities with community stations, which are often far more welcoming and flexible than larger broadcasters.
The conversation then turned to new perspectives with Maddie, a recent creative writing graduate volunteering with the Evington Echo. She spoke about the importance of local reporting in a media environment that often overlooks community life. For Maddie, local events offer something missing from the online world: real social connection. She believes that by amplifying these spaces, more young people will rediscover the value of shared experiences beyond the screen.
Later, the discussion explored the Echo’s history with long-standing editor Helen, who has steered the paper for over two decades. Helen outlined the challenges of sustaining local print media in an age of centralised news and shrinking resources, while reaffirming the Echo’s commitment to being a voice for its community. She also expressed concern for the future, calling for new partnerships and training to secure continuity.
The programme also featured voices from Leicester’s newest radio venture, Satsang Radio, represented by Sajan Odedra. With roots in education and music, Sajan shared his vision of radio as a cultural bridge: a platform for traditional songs, health advice, and stories that unite generations. His ethos is clear: build community by sharing, respecting, and celebrating diversity.
Rob Watson rounded off the episode by reflecting on the purpose of community media. Unlike mainstream broadcasters, which prioritise large-scale goals and metrics, community-led platforms begin with people. They create spaces where stories emerge organically, where identity and belonging take shape through dialogue and collaboration. These networks, he argued, are essential to building resilient, connected communities in a rapidly changing city.
This episode captures the energy of a day that was about more than music or performance. It was about meeting face-to-face, listening, and valuing the everyday stories that make Leicester a city of many voices.
Listen to the full conversation on the Spotlight on Arts podcast and hear firsthand how community media in Leicester is thriving in 2025.
