The best of Community Radio has been celebrated in Bradford for the 2025 Community Radio Awards.
Hosted by Stephen Higgs and Fiona McNeill, the evening celebrated the hard work of recipients from up and down the country.
Rebecca Steers, awards chair, said: “What another fantastic year for community radio. As we celebrate 20 years of community radio, it has been great to both share and celebrate with the awards and conference earlier in the day.
“Well done to all the winners, as well as all the finalists for the awards.”
Gold
Celebrating & Championing Community Radio of the Year, sponsored by PPL
Gold – Championing The 4Ps Radio Training School – Vectis Radio
The judges said “The host handles, the conversations warmly and skilfully balancing listener engagement with sensitivity and the result is enjoyable to hear. It’s a lively end engaging outside broadcast that reflects the stations commitment to inclusion and community involvement.”
Silver
Specialist Content Show of the Year, sponsored by Fix Radio
Gold – Month of the Military Child – BFBS Aldershot
Silver – The Mid Morning Show – Vectis Radio
Bronze – The Voice of Business with Nell Op de Beeck – Radio Woking
Gold
Community Impact Project of the Year, sponsored by Be Broadcast
Gold – The 4Ps Radio Training School – Vectis Radio
Silver – Finding Your Voice – Colne Radio
Bronze – Hear Our Voices – Ujima Radio
The judges said “The positive impact this entry makes is clear and it’s obvious that they are all incredibly proud of what they’ve built. The Audio is warm and genuine and it’s clear they have created a true hub for the Community.”
Bronze
Station of the Year, sponsored by Aiir
Gold – Radio Skye
Silver – Academy fm Thanet
Bronze – Vectis Radio
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.”
Louise Gambling Training school Trustee 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.
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.”
Isle of Wight Council Leader Phil Jordan said:
“I am so very pleased and happy for Ian and the team at Vectis. They continue to deliver a brilliant community radio, inclusive and engaging – especially through their 4p’s training programme where they open up opportunities and experience for those least able in our community.
Two Gold awards are a worthy recognition, well earned and so well deserved. Well done Team Vectis Radio.
Long may we support and enjoy your community service. Well done.”
