'Socially-conscious' radio making a difference

So Online Radio is dedicated to inclusion and representation

"Welcome dear listeners, you've just tuned in to the heartbeat of culture, rhythm and community."

This is how one presenter introduces the Surrey-based So Online Radio station.

So Online was founded by Oscar Miyanda in Redhill during the pandemic.

Along with some "former club DJs", he set up the community-led internet radio station to fight misinformation surrounding Covid among ethnic minorities.

'Mix up'

So Online Radio recruited on-air NHS professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds to share "the reality" of how dangerous the virus was.

"It was a socially-conscious radio station," Mr Miyanda said.

But its work didn't stop there.

Mr Miyanda made So Online Radio a transformative media platform to "amplify the voices of BAME grassroots communities" from around the world.

It does this through a diverse selection of events such as live broadcasts, music performances and gatherings, which showcase local talent and build community connections.

Nine of the 28 volunteers working at the station are based in the UK, while the others come from the African continent and Caribbean.

Mr Miyanda says they try to "mix up" people from different geographical locations to aid cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Finalists

Working with local businesses and non-profit organisations, the station also aims to nurture young artists by involving them in the project.

Though he was "proud" it had helped many "discover their talents" and find jobs, Mr Miyanda says there is a growing need to address issues such as unemployment, skills and crime among young people.

He is one of 32 finalists for the BBC's Making a Difference Award.

The pan-BBC initiative is a new iteration of something that BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey started 12 years ago to celebrate unsung community heroes.