Radio LaB’s one-off vaccine-conspiracy-inspired drama, Beginning of the End, has been recognised at the 2021 Community Radio Awards.
The Gold award for Arts & Creative Radio was given to Radio LaB 97.1FM, the culmination of an intensive judging process to recognise those producing great quality content and engaging with their communities.
The awards ceremony was held in Coventry, as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
Media Communications graduate Fariza Sultana, who wrote the drama, said: “It was so exciting to win the award – I was watching online via the stream and when they announced we got the Gold I screamed with delight!”
Media Performance graduate Manny Donhkon Odoi, who played the starring role, as well as producing and mixing the piece, said: “We made this during lockdown and I was trying to make this piece sound as real and entertaining as possible. Shout out to the team for letting me push everyone to their limits. Winning made It all worth it and I’m humbled by this awesome experience!”
Martin Steers, awards chair, said: “As ever, the judges tell me how impressed they are with the output of our sector, and how year on year, it steps up a level.”
“It’s the second year of awards within a pandemic, but organisations like station name have proven their value at the heart of their local areas.”
“The recognition for award name is well deserved, and we hope it recognises their success, and encourages others to to engage, represent and support their communities.”
Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, said, in a video played at the start of the awards: “It’s so great to see such a huge variety of nominees, and you all thoroughly deserve your nominations.”