Newport-based Community Radio Station, Vectis Radio, gained two more awards in Saturday’s prestigious National Community Radio Awards celebrated in Birmingham. The station received an award for each of the two categories for which it was nominated.
A Gold Award in the Championing & supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category, and a Bronze award in the Live Event or Outside Broadcast of the Year.
Rebecca Steers, Chair of the Community Radio Awards, said,
“As we celebrate ten years of the Community Radio Awards, it’s fantastic to recognise the people and stations who continue to make a real difference in their communities. This award is a testament to the dedication, creativity and commitment shown by Vectis Radio, and to the impact community radio has across the UK.”
She added,
“The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, making recognition even more significant. For ten years these awards have showcased the very best of community broadcasting, and organisations like Vectis Radio demonstrate why community radio remains such an important part of local life.”
A decade of the Community Radio Awards
The Community Radio Awards were established in 2016 and have spent the last decade celebrating the achievements of volunteers, presenters, producers, managers and stations serving communities across the United Kingdom.
Station Manager, Ian Mac said the awards were a huge achievement for a station of Vectis Radio’s size.,
“We have grown, we have challenged ourselves, and we have put our Island and our community on the national stage. Once again, we have shown exactly what Vectis Radio can do, and thank you once again to SNG for funding us.
“We may be a small community radio station, but we have an enormous amount of passion, commitment and belief behind us. These awards are recognition of the incredible people who give their time to make Vectis Radio what it is.”
Gold for equality, diversity and inclusion
Director Kieren Thompson added,
“It is always an honour just to be nominated, but to win Gold for Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – at a time when these terms’ importance are being diminished – is an extraordinary privilege that we do not take for granted.
“It reflects the incredible stories of people of all ages and backgrounds that walk through the doors of Vectis Radio.”
Bronze for broadcasting from a ferry
Director, Kelvin Currie, talking about the Bronze award said,
“Doing a live broadcast from a moving ferry was a technical challenge, something we relish at Vectis Radio, and having our young presenters hosted by Red Funnel in the Signature Lounge was a real treat.
“Thank you to the Red Funnel team who made us so welcome and special thanks to our 4Ps tutors and youngsters who were so enthusiastic about the event.”
He continued,
“My thanks go to the Isle of Wight Council for their support and funding for the Short Breaks sessions.”
Fran Collins CEO of Red Funnel said,
“Congratulations to everyone at Vectis Radio on these well deserved awards. It was an absolute pleasure to host the live broadcast on board our ferry, and we are so proud of the Vectis Radio team; they really are a force for good and it’s great to see their achievements recognised on the national stage.”
Previous successes
Vectis Radio has been very successful in gaining Community Radio Awards over the years and recently picked up the Community Group Award at the BBC Radio Solent Make A Difference Awards.
News shared by Kelvin on behalf of Vectis Radio. Ed
