A local radio station, Opishnia FM, has officially started broadcasting in the Opishnia community in the Poltava region. The radio station operates on the frequency of 95.4 MHz and covers the entire territory of the community.

The idea for the radio, which took almost 4 years to create, came from the Opishnia Settlement Council. It is intended to unite the community, provide timely news and share what the Opishnia community is all about.

Opishnia FM is not only a source of information, but also a new platform for communication, promotion of local identity and community cohesion. Yana Khaidurova became the radio’s director, overseeing the work of the editorial team and the creation of content.

‘This is not just a technical achievement – it is a tool to strengthen our identity, unite local residents and build trust. Opishnia FM will become a platform for honest conversation, important messages, support for local businesses and promotion of our culture. We want people to hear each other and let the community speak for itself,’ said Mykola Riznyk, head of the Opishnia community.

The programme grid includes local news, informative sections, interviews with active community members, explanations of local government decisions, and support for local initiatives. Special attention will be paid to Ukrainian music, culture, and the history of Opishnia.

Nadiia Petruniak, coordinator of the Decentralisation Portal, a communication platform for local self-government reform and community development, commented on the importance of such initiatives. According to Ms Petruniak, local broadcasting is not only information security, but also a way to build trust within the community.

‘Local radio is not just about news. It is about the community’s right to be heard. When residents receive information from their fellow citizens, in a language they understand and in the context of their own lives, trust in local authorities increases, participation in decision-making improves, and a sense of belonging grows. Opishnia FM is an example of a community creating its own local media, and that is extremely valuable,’ said Nadiia Petruniak.

She added that the local self-government reform has clearly shown that successful communities are, first and foremost, those where there is dialogue. And local radio is a powerful tool for such dialogue. That is why it is important to support such initiatives and share them as good practices.