Reprezent-Eclectic Productions
closedEnabling people to have a voice so they can better represent themselves.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | £60.1k | Seed | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Reprezent-Eclectic Productions operates Reprezent 107.3FM, a youth-led community radio station broadcasting from Brixton, South London, across Greater London on FM and DAB. Founded in 2003 by Shane Carey, a teacher and university radio expert, the entity grew out of a community project. In 2009, it rebranded as Reprezent in response to rising knife crime in Peckham, with a focus on being entirely staffed by young people. The station secured a community radio license in 2010 and began broadcasting in April 2011.
The organization functions as a social enterprise dedicated to developing emerging talent, providing a platform for individuals aged 13 to 25. Its core mission is to empower young people by offering training in media, communication, and life skills, helping them build confidence and secure employment. Reprezent has trained hundreds of young people, with a significant percentage progressing to further education or employment. The station has been instrumental in launching the careers of notable artists and presenters, including Stormzy, Jamz Supernova, and Jorja Smith.
Reprezent's programming champions youth culture, focusing on music genres like grime, hip-hop, and electronic music, with a strong emphasis on unsigned UK artists. Beyond music, it serves as a platform for discussing social issues relevant to its young audience, aiming to challenge stereotypes. The business model is subsidized by income from youth training contracts with the public sector, grants, donations, and commercial sponsorships. To ensure sustainability amidst funding cuts, the station has pursued crowdfunding campaigns and partnerships with brands like Converse and Nike, and organizations such as the NHS and Tate Britain. The station is in the process of becoming a registered charity to diversify its funding sources further.
Keywords: youth radio, community radio, London, Brixton, social enterprise, youth development, media training, broadcast training, grime, UK hip hop, emerging artists, youth empowerment, social impact, non-profit, music broadcasting, OFCOM, youth culture, creative education, DJ training, unsigned artists