10 Years of ICM: Looking Back at IO Radio

“IO Radio has given me something to focus on during troubled times. It has also given me structure during the week. I looked forward to the regular weekly meetings with other DJ’s where we could catch up with each other, reach out to those who felt isolated, laugh, exchange ideas about music or technical problems.” -Susan, IO Radio DJ

In the early days of Ipswich Community Media we had a small number of projects; our ESOL classes, South Street Kids, and IO Radio. Over the years our projects have grown and changed; we’ve developed new core projects, and run many ad hoc projects to meet the needs of our community and reach beyond it. But at the beginning these three projects were our cornerstones. 

IO wasn’t just a radio station, it was a community, a safe space, and whatever it needed to be for each individual. It could be a place to come and have fun with friends once a week, a platform for change, or a vehicle to gain skills and confidence. 

At its peak IO had over 70 DJs, creating shows across the spectrum, and saw over 100 individuals a week. If you were looking for music you could check out The Salsa Show for salsa from around the world, find your favourite metal band on The Sanctum, or listen to some good old funk on the Funk Shack. If it was conversation you could tune in daily to our current events show What Trends, learn about LGBTQ+ history and community with Over and Out, or get the latest in football news with Pitchside Talk. Over the years you could find a show about almost anything on IO and that’s what made it special - everyone was encouraged to create something they were truly passionate about. 

“We shared queer stories and history, and it was an opportunity to talk about how being queer shaped our lives, as well as connect with parts of the community that we wouldn’t normally. I was really proud of what we created with Over and Out, and IO Radio was such a supportive space to be creating radio in, I couldn’t have imagined having the confidence to start something like that anywhere else.” -Jack, IO Radio DJ and Staff Member

In addition to the work going on in the studio, the team was always out and about. Over the years IO attended a range of local events including a yearly fixture at Ipswich May Day, and taking part in Suffolk Pride, the team even got involved with Latitude festival, interviewing attendees, running workshops, and engaging with the community.

IO was always looking to break the mould, and be more than you would expect from a small community radio station, and partnerships were a huge part of this. 

We welcomed community groups to our studios such as Future Female Society with Woman 2 Woman radio, their fantastic project using radio to build confidence and teach new skills to migrant, refugee and asylum seeking women, and The Phoenix Project with True Thoughts, welcoming weekly sessions that aimed to combat isolation and provided a space to talk about mental health. 

We branched out beyond the walls of our studios, helping Gainsborough Library set up their very own radio station, and linking up with ICM’s Integration Team to help lead the ESOL and Digital Media course. 

And most excitingly for some of our resident music buffs, we formed a partnership with the Smokehouse, giving DJs the opportunity to put on gigs, interview bands, and livestream events, including the precursor to Brighten the Corners, Sound City.

However, our most long-running partnership was with Activities Unlimited, which allowed us to offer weekly 121 sessions for young people with learning disabilities, providing expert training in radio production, IT, equipment and social media. The project helped individuals to improve their communication skills, confidence, independence and sense of control, but more than that, it was a means of connection. 

Matt's Story:

Matt’s daily life was hugely impacted by Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It affected his confidence, and he struggled to get out and about or indeed work. But despite these challenges Matt was very keen to get into radio, travelling all the way from Norwich every two weeks for his sessions.

At IO Matt could only use one chair, and at the start of his session he had to supervise all of the radio equipment he would be using being wiped down clean. His lack of confidence and need for a sense of control also meant that in the early stages, he didn’t feel able to present his radio show live. 

To work around this the team worked with Matt to pre-record everything. So rather than record the full 1 hour show in one go, they would work to record it in smaller chunks e.g. 15 mins. This meant that Matt could be in control of all the content and re-do anything if he wasn’t 100% happy with it. The extent to which Matt needed support to pre-record and re-edit his show was not something the IO team had seen before. 

Over our time with Matt we saw unbelievable transformation in his confidence levels, and eventually even regularly presenting his gaming show ‘Control Pad’ live! And these changes spread into other areas of his life, including visiting his local gaming café - a huge step given his concerns around cleanliness.

“We never imagined he would be brave enough to speak live on the radio and this has given him more confidence plus being able to become skilled with how it all works. Everyone at IO radio has been so kind and patient with him, understanding that Matt had to be handled with disposable gloves-so to speak!” -Matt’s mum

While teaching individuals to create great radio was integral to IO, what we were most proud of was the community the station founded. DJs, volunteers and staff were endlessly supportive of each other; inspiring each other, collaborating, and creating lifelong friendships. Many DJs stayed with IO throughout its lifetime with ICM, but whether you joined IO for a few weeks of work experience or were with us for years, we want to thank you for everything you brought to the station.

As we celebrate the IO community we also remember the voices that IO lost along the years, brilliant, vibrant individuals gone before their time. Even though they are gone they will always be a part of IO, and the legacy it has left. 

Although IO Radio is not currently an active project at ICM we are incredibly proud of everything the project achieved across the years. A true cornerstone of ICM, we will always hold its legacy very close to our hearts.

And if like us you’re feeling nostalgic, you can find the full IO Radio show archive, over on Mixcloud:

mixcloud.com/ioradiouk

“To say I'm proud of everything we've achieved is an understatement. There are countless stories of how IO Radio has changed peoples lives and that is something I will cherish forever.” -Ed Barnes, IO Radio Station Manager