Sheffield live is an independent radio station as it is not owned by another company, therefore it works in different ways.

It is a community radio station.

OFCOM say: "community radio stations are small scale, not for profit radio stations operated for the good of members of the public, or of particular communities, and in order to deliver social gain.

The provision of social gain has four mandatory requirements

1. Community radio stations must provide a service for underserved groups
2. They must facilitate discussion and expression of opinion within the community served
3. They must provide training or education to people not employed by the station
4. Community radio stations must also help to strengthen the community served

The company was set up by Sangita Basudev

Sheffield Live! was awarded a licence by OFCOM to operate as a regular radio station

The content cannot cross over with the main commercial channels like the BBC

Surveys show it reaches 11% of people in the area, this is 32,000 people a week

The people it is aimed at live in; Central Sheffield, Darnall, Gleadless, Nether Edge, Manor Top etc.

Music output includes:

• Reggae
• Ragga
• Jungle
• Asian Pop
• Indie Pop
• Dance
• African

Broadcasting act 1999 and the Community Radio Order 2004 stated that community radio services cannot gain more than 50% of running costs from one source advertising or on-air sponsorship.

The remainder of operating costs must be met through other sources; like grants, sponsors etc.

Sheffield Live! access this fund and in 08/09 gained a £15,000 grant to fund the wage of the Business Development Manager