Newport-based community station Vectis Radio has won 4 national awards at this year’s Community Radio Awards, with its youth-focused 4Ps Radio Training School recognised twice with top honours.
The Isle of Wight station collected 2 Gold Awards at Saturday’s ceremony in Bradford – for ‘Celebrating & Championing Community Radio of the Year’ and another for ‘Community Impact Project of the Year’, both awarded for the long-running 4Ps training initiative.
Vectis Radio also picked up a Silver in ‘Specialist Content Show of the Year’ for its Mid-Morning Show and secured Bronze in the coveted ‘Station of the Year’ category, competing against more than 300 other stations from across the UK.
Station Manager Ian Mac said:
“It’s a wonderful achievement, but none of it would be possible without the incredible young people who take part in the course. Their success is what drives ours, and without the outstanding support of our funders – the Isle of Wight Council, the Isle of Wight Foundation, and SNG – these opportunities simply wouldn’t exist.
“I’d also like to add my personal thanks to Red Funnel for providing the cross-Solent travel for us to attend the event.”
Louise Gambling, Trustee of the 4Ps Training School, said:
“For the students of the 4Ps Radio Training School to receive recognition on a national stage at the Community Radio Awards is just fantastic.
Article continues below this advertisement “The students’ live output and podcasts provide such a unique and varied voice to the station, truly bringing our community to the air. Winning golds in both categories just cements the work that the school does to build confidence amongst young people and adults through the magic of radio.”
The station’s success has drawn praise from across the community, including from sponsors and local partners.
Jonathan Thornton of PC Consultants, which sponsors the mid-morning show, said:
“Congratulations Ian and the entire team, what an amazing recognition across so many categories.”
Well done to Vectis Radio and all those involved in the 4Ps Training School! A much deserved accolade.