Introduction

There are three sectors of radio. These are public radio, private radio, and community radio.

Public radio includes the BBC's radio stations. These stations are owned by the public, with 17% of the licence fee going to fund them. Below are the main public radio stations.

Privately owned radio is funded by advertising, and is sometimes referred to as commercial radio. There are many more stations of this kind than public stations and many of these are local stations such as, for example, TFM, which is local to Teesside. Some popular private radio stations are Capital FM, Absolute Radio, Smooth Radio and Kerrang! Radio. 

Community radio is a radio station that is funded partly by fundraising and donations and partly funded by adverts. Community radio stations such as Sunderland's Spark Radio are becoming very popular. Most towns and cities will have them, although they are not as well known as the commercial radio stations. Many community radio stations are set up in schools, colleges, universities and hospitals.