More than 50 volunteers are celebrating dialogue and programme-making as Radio Salaam Shalom marks its first year as the UK’s only Muslim and Jewish radio station.

After its launch in February 2007, the Bristol-based internet station - www.salaamshalom.org.uk - has become the broadcast platform for discussion, debate and new ideas between the UK Jewish and Muslim communities, but has also gained a global following. In the past 12 months, listeners from the USA, Middle and Far East, and Australia have joined Radio Salaam Shalom’s UK audience.

The station broadcasts a mixture of speech and music programmes and has set ambitious targets. In the first year alone it has expanded its studios; is now broadcasting 24 hours a day; and has interviewed members of the Muslim and Jewish communities including religious leaders, academics, musicians and even a Hollywood star.

The presenters come from a range of backgrounds – many from Bristol and the surrounding area, but some from as far afield as Singapore, Israel, Pakistan and Iraq. There is also a wide variety of ages (including two brothers of 11 and 13) and interests, with programmes covering issues such as music, food, religious festivals, rites and practices, marriage and divorce, current affairs and life perspectives from school children, teenagers and older members of the community.

Station manager, Kyle Hannan, who has played a vital role in developing Radio Salaam Shalom, said: "The project has grown incredibly quickly and has gained recognition both in the UK and abroad. The commitment of all of our volunteers has been extraordinary and we are gaining the respect of both the Muslim and Jewish communities, with more volunteers joining us all the time."

Radio Salaam Shalom has received significant media attention, including two BBC documentaries, UK broadcast network and newspaper coverage and features on overseas radio and TV including Al Jezeera, Triple J in Australia, Israel’s Radio All For Peace and Palestinian/Israeli RAMfm. The Station was awarded a highly commended in the prestigious Clarion Awards for social responsibility in broadcasting and representatives also formed part of the UK delegation to the first European conference on Muslim and Jewish Dialogue held in Brussels.

Originally set up with help from the government’s Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund and the Community Development Foundation, Salaam Shalom has also received additional funding from Bristol City Council’s anti-Islamophobia PREVENT fund and SPARKS, part of the Clore Duffield Foundation. However, the project is fighting to secure its long-term future through a major fundraising campaign.

Chairman of Salaam Shalom, Peter Brill commented: "We’re delighted with our first full year of broadcasting, but we also know that we have only scratched the surface in helping to develop further understanding between the Muslim and Jewish communities. It is vital that we secure the future of Radio Salaam Shalom for as long as possible to offer a platform for dialogue not just in Bristol and the South West, but also across the rest of UK and Europe if possible. "

Farooq Siddique, Radio Salaam Shalom’s Vice-Chairman and Director of the Bristol Muslim Cultural Society added: "We remain determined that the station is a long term project. Not only are we reaching the Jewish and Muslim communities, but people of other cultures and faiths are becoming involved with the station. In the current political and social climate, developing understanding is more important than ever."