Penny Southgate is a passionate advocate for the environment and the driving force behind BCFM’s One Love One Planet (OLOP) program. She believes that almost everything connects back to nature and climate change. “When I started OLOP, I aimed to cover each issue through an environmental lens,” she explains.
Since launching in 2020, OLOP has become a platform for diverse voices. Southgate invites musicians, politicians, and activists, particularly from Bristol, to discuss their perspectives on various topics. With a background as a TV producer in the BBC’s science department, Southgate has long been engaged with issues like global warming. Her activism took a personal turn in 2018 when she joined Extinction Rebellion in London, inspired by a sense of urgency in the climate crisis.
“I was shocked to see so little media coverage of the IPCC’s alarming report,” she recalls. This lack of action fueled her passion for community radio, where she saw an opportunity to address these critical issues directly. In her role as a presenter, she transformed a monthly environmental slot into a full-fledged weekly show, now supported by a team of seven presenters.
One of her notable guests included a Mediterranean sea rescue worker who shared harrowing stories of asylum seekers. “Hearing personal experiences really makes the issues feel real,” Southgate says. She emphasizes that the show connects global challenges with local perspectives, emphasizing the direct impact of environmental policies on everyday life.
Recent estimates suggest that more than 50% of local radio stations in the UK are increasingly integrating climate action into their programming as public interest grows. Community radio, Southgate argues, is crucial because it fosters a sense of trust and connection with listeners—something mainstream media often neglects. A survey from Media Nations in 2021 highlighted that 63% of listeners trust local news providers more than other sources.
Despite its challenges, Southgate remains optimistic about the potential of community radio. “Even if we reach just one person who then makes a difference, that matters,” she states. Her show not only aims for high-quality content but also seeks to inspire action and awareness around environmental issues.
With each episode, OLOP continually expands its reach and relevance, showing that local voices play a pivotal role in the global climate conversation. Southgate’s passion and commitment shine through, making One Love One Planet a beacon for both current discussions and future generations.
Source link
bcfm,BCfm Radio,Climate,climate action,community climate action,community radio,Environment,environmental sustainability,Green,one love one planet
