Local community radio station, Ribble FM, based in Clitheroe, picked up four awards at this year’s national community radio awards in Bristol. The national event celebrated the triumphs of community radio across the UK.
Community station Ribble FM scooped the awards in the categories of: station of the year, community show of the year, young person of the year, and newcomer of the year. The station was also nominated as finalists in a further three categories.
Kath Lord-Green, Executive Director and Station Manager, Ribble FM said: “After only 14 months on FM, to reach seven finalist categories was fantastic or us. We were absolutely delighted, but to then come away from the awards, when we know there were 350 entries from 70 stations across the country, as Multi Award Winners was just incredible. We are very proud indeed.
“I want to thank all our volunteers who all work tirelessly to bring fantastic Community Radio programmes to the Ribble Valley. I also want to thank the local businesses and the community as a whole, for their continued support. It’s all just sinking in now – what a huge achievement this is.”
Martin Steers, Community Radio Awards Chair, added: “We can’t believe how much these new awards have caught the imagination of the movement of volunteers, who are producing fantastic and engaging radio for their communities. What we were really excited by is the increasing energy of their output.
“It can be a long old haul keeping output going over the long term on very minimal funds, so we’re pleased to see that the sector is not only surviving but thriving, and is increasingly the answer to bringing communities together and serving those who are being left behind by the traditional and mainstream media.”
A panel of over 50 judges drawn from the BBC, commercial radio, community radio and media, and academics selected the best programmes and stations from more than 350 entries from 70 community radio stations.
