Newport-based Vectis Radio has beaten competition from across the country to scoop 2 prestigious national awards, including Gold for its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, at the Community Radio Awards in Birmingham.
The Isle of Wight community radio station walked away with an award in both categories for which it had been nominated at Saturday’s ceremony, securing Gold in the Championing & Supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category and Bronze for Live Event or Outside Broadcast of the Year.
The Bronze award recognised an ambitious live broadcast from a moving Red Funnel ferry, which saw the station’s young presenters take to the airwaves from the vessel’s Signature Lounge.
The broadcast presented a technical challenge for the Vectis Radio team, but proved another example of the station’s determination to push boundaries despite its relatively small size.
The success comes as the Community Radio Awards celebrate their 10th anniversary, recognising the work of volunteers, presenters, producers and stations making a difference in communities across the UK.
Rebecca Steers, Chair of the Community Radio Awards, has 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.”
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Rebecca added that the standard of entries had been exceptionally high, making the station’s achievements all the more significant.
Ian Mac, Station Manager at Vectis Radio, has said:
“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.”
The Gold award was particularly meaningful for the station, recognising its work in giving a voice to people from different backgrounds and ensuring that community broadcasting remains accessible and inclusive.
Kieren Thompson, Director at Vectis Radio, has said:
“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.”
Meanwhile, the station’s Bronze award celebrated the efforts of its young presenters and tutors involved in the ferry broadcast.
Kelvin Currie, Director at Vectis Radio, has 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.”
Kelvin also thanked the Isle of Wight Council for its support and funding of the Short Breaks sessions.
Red Funnel, which hosted the broadcast, has welcomed the station’s national recognition.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, has 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.”
The latest success adds to Vectis Radio’s growing collection of accolades, having secured several Community Radio Awards over the years.
The station also recently received the Community Group Award at the BBC Radio Solent Make A Difference Awards, further recognising its contribution to life on the Isle of Wight.
Established in 2016, the Community Radio Awards have spent the past decade celebrating the achievements of community broadcasters across the country, with Vectis Radio’s latest victories demonstrating how a small Island station can make an impact on the national stage.
