Community Channel information
Got a question about Community Channel? Here we'll explain what we do, who funds or supports us and how you can get in touch.
Who we are?
At Community Channel we want you to pause for a moment and think about the world around you. We're all about inspiring you to take action on the causes and issues that matter to you. Broadcasting original programmes that showcase the work of new directors and community filmmakers, as well as the very best of terrestrial TV, Community Channel is the place for real-life stories.
Community Channel was launched in September 2000, broadcasting for three hours each day and mainly showing charity advertisements and selling charity merchandise. We've come a long way since then.
Where and when can I watch?
The channel is broadcast on Virgin 233, 24/7 on Sky 539 and on Freeview 87 from 5am-8am. Community Channel is available on BT Vision and Sky Anytime's On Demand service.
What can I watch?
Community Channel is the only TV station totally dedicated to highlighting issues from both local and international communities as well as the voluntary and charitable sectors. Programmes like What Can Science Do for Me?, films produced through the Volunteer Filmmaking scheme, Spotting Cancer Early and Mad for Dance showcase the people that go the extra mile every day.
We also run programming seasons over weekends, weeks and months throughout the year, seasons like Climate Change, Fairtrade Fortnight, Mental Health Week and International Women's Day. In our featured section you can find information about what's on and coming soon on the Channel.
How do I get in touch?
The Community Channel team loves to hear from its viewers, so do get in touch! If you'd like more information on our programming, the charities and organisations involved, you can use our search engine or browse our factsheets. If you want to make a comment about a programme or have a positive story to tell, call us on 08708 505 500 or email us.
If you're a filmmaker and want to send us a film you've made, or want to know more about how to get in touch with us, visit our guide to getting your films on air.
Who owns us?
Community Channel is owned by the Media Trust registered charity no. 1042733.
Media Trust works in partnership with the media industry to build effective communications for the charity and voluntary sectors. It consists of the following components:
The Media Trust events team provides first class seminars, media training and Media Matching opportunities for voluntary and not-for-profit organisations by encouraging media professionals to volunteer their time and skills. They work across the UK on PR and press, marketing, design, online media and video.
Media Trust Productions make TV programmes for major broadcasters and produce award-winning films, DVDs and multimedia content for charities and the not-for-profit sector.
Community Newswire is our free-to-use news service run in partnership with the Press Association to help community and voluntary groups gain coverage in the media.
The board of trustees of the Media Trust include former Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan, Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow, Director General of the BBC Mark Thompson, and former-ITV brand and commercial managing director Rupert Howell.
Who funds us?
We receive free airtime from the Sky, Virgin TV and Freeview and we thank them for their support.
The Channel is always actively looking for other sources of funding. It can offer a range of online and on-air advertising packages, sponsorships and advertising funded programming deals.
Who are our partners?
All major UK broadcasters pledged to help support Community Channel by signing a Joint Declaration in November 2004.
BBC Director General Mark Thompson and Sky's former CEO James Murdoch agreed to a Joint Declaration of support for the Community Channel along with eight other major players in the British media industry - Channel Four, Five, ITV, ITN, Discovery, Flextech, GMTV and the independent producers' body PACT. In 2006, MTV, Disney and Turner joined the group. In 2007, Joost signed the declaration.
Here's what it said:
'We agree to make the Community Channel a key external TV partner in our efforts to bring news, information and enthusiasm about the work of the voluntary, charitable and community sectors to our viewers.
Wherever possible we undertake to make relevant programming available to the Community Channel once it has fulfilled its uses on our own services.
Wherever editorially relevant we will use on-air references and pointers to inform viewers about the programming and information available on the Community Channel. We will develop a marketing plan jointly with the Community Channel to help viewers to find it. We will work with regulators and others to ensure that effective information can be given about the Community Channel.'
Agreed by BBC, BSkyB, Channel Four, Five, Flextech Television, Discovery Networks Europe, GMTV, ITN, ITV and Pact.
Read more about the Joint Declaration
