University of Westminster launches Westminster Waves - the sound of student life in London 

As the only university in London to hold an Ofcom community radio licence, the University of Westminster has created Westminster Waves to connect with its local community and half a million students across London, including more than 160,000 international students who make the capital one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse student cities.  

Broadcasting from the University’s Harrow Campus with a rich 24/7 schedule of programmes, whether listeners are looking for great music, fresh voices, conversations that matter, what is happening on campus, or inspiration from across the capital, Westminster Waves aims to be the station at the heart of student life in London.  

The station was made possible through funding from the Quintin Hogg Trust, secured by the School of Media and Communication in partnership with the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation (CETI) at the University.

Music created by students from the Westminster School of Arts will be showcased through live sessions and regular new music features, while sports coverage will include live commentary opportunities for students developing broadcast journalism and sports media skills.  

The Regent Street Cinema team will contribute regular film content, while the University of Westminster Press and students from the School of Media and Communication’s BJTC-accredited Multimedia Journalism MA will contribute editorial and news programming.  

Alongside live broadcasting, Westminster Waves will host podcasts and on-demand content, allowing listeners to engage with programming anytime, anywhere. 

Westminster Waves is also building strong connections with community groups across west London through a range of outreach initiatives. One key project, Nourish to Flourish, is working with local schools to create content focused on wellbeing and health. The station is also collaborating with organisations including the LGBTQ+ forum and Westminster City Council Climate Champions, helping to amplify local voices and engage communities on important social issues.  

The station is also working in partnership with the British Library, which is set to archive the station’s radio output, preserving student voices and content for future generations while making it accessible to wider audiences.  

Launched on 1 June, the station combines professional broadcasting with community impact, giving Westminster students and colleagues hands-on opportunities to develop creative, editorial and technical skills while creating content that resonates with London’s student audience.  

Each volunteer receives training in radio production and Ofcom compliance, with the station also recognised as an approved provider for work experience by the British Journalism Training Council.  

Supporting the project is award-winning broadcaster Jason Rosam, founder of Riverside Radio and an experienced presenter across BBC and commercial radio, who has joined Westminster Waves as Station Manager.  

Jason Rosam said: "London is one of the greatest student cities in the world, but until now it hasn’t had a dedicated radio station bringing together the stories, voices and experiences of student life across the capital.  

“Westminster Waves changes that. This is a station with an incredible sense of purpose -not just as a training ground for future broadcasters and creators, but as a genuine platform for London’s student community. Whether you’re studying here from across the UK or across the world, Westminster Waves is your station." 

Eleanor Roseblade, University of Westminster Senior Lecturer in Media Production and initiator of the project, said: "What’s really exciting about Westminster Waves is that it reflects exactly what London student life is all about - diversity, creativity, connection and opportunity.  

“This station gives our students a genuine voice, while also opening up conversations across campuses and across the wider city. It’s about belonging, expression and creating something that reflects the lived experience of students in London today."  

Professor Catherine Dormor, Head of the College of Creative Arts and Technologies at the University, added: “I am hugely excited that we are launching Westminster Waves from our Harrow Campus, which is home to our creative community across arts, design and media.    

“Listeners and followers will be treated to a rich menu of music, discussion, current affairs and so much more, all led by our students and colleagues.    

“This station sets outward thinking at the heart of our community, a space where we can celebrate all that our diverse population brings and to champion the University values across the waves. Tune in and hear the beating heart of our University.”  

Westminster Waves directly contributes to the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by creating meaningful opportunities for skills development, employability and community engagement. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Listen to Westminster Waves on DAB Digital Radio across London, online on smart speakers and the RadioPlayer App.

Find out more about Media and Communication courses at the University of Westminster.