Ramadhan Radio Bristol

For the first time in the history of Bristol, BMCS applied for and were successful in being awarded from OFCOM, a 32-day Restricted Service License (RSL) to broadcast a local radio station for the month of Ramadhan.

The project, first discussed in Ramadhan 2003, was a natural progression from the pilot project broadcast in Ramadhaan 2004, from the studios of Commonwealth FM by our Radio partners BTIT.

The station was well supported by both the Muslim and non-Muslim community at a troubled time. And just in that aspect alone, the experiment was a phenomenal success. It offered all a forum to express their views and learn about each other. It also greatly entertained with humour and music.

The pre-launch of the project took centre stage at the annual BMCS Islamic Cultural Fayre, in August 2005 followed by the official launch on Saturday 3rd September 2005 at the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum.

This was after many volunteers worked tirelessly in the background to develop the project and radio programming. The first Radio Ramadhan training session and formal recruitment for the volunteers who would host, manage and take the project forward was held on Saturday 22nd May 2005, following the three formal planning sessions that had already taken place earlier in the year at BMCS.

Abdul Haq Sheikh, a professional from the international world of radio broadcasting, delivered the training sessions. Abdul Haq gained many years experience in Kenyan national radio, where he is a well-known figure with celebrity status. He is currently working in the UK broadcasting arena and was invited to help develop the project by Javed Yousuf of BTIT.

Radio Ramadhan Bristol was certainly privileged to have the valuable skills that Abdul Haq has to offer. The volunteers benefited tremendously from the training provided to help them plan and deliver top quality radio programmes. The radio broadcasts also became the platform for the Earthquake Appeal Bristol team.

Mohammed Ashraf Din (BMCS) and Sheikh Najib Khan (BTIT) were initially charged with managing the Radio Ramadhan Project with support and guidance from Abdul Haq Sheikh. However, for a variety of reasons and circumstances, the project was eventually almost entirely controlled by Abdul Haq, including all financial accounting liabilities and proceeds. We trust the accounts will be forthcoming and transparent.

The broadcasts of Radio Ramadhan Bristol proved to be an undeniable phenomenon, and as an experiment, it was an astounding success, warmly received by all sections of the community.

BMCS and BTIT applied again for the RSL in 2006, but we became aware that the project may have become a victim of its own success. We were made aware that a rival application from Bristol had also been made that year and the BMCS/BTIT application was unsuccessful. We had hoped to be able to keep the project a community-based one, rather than one for commercial interest.

Nevertheless, BMCS has once again played a pivotal role in pioneering yet another opportunity for Bristol Muslims.