The University of Bedfordshire’s on-campus community radio station, Radio LaB, is once again celebrating its success after scooping the top prize in two award categories at the Student Radio Association’s Amplify Awards.
This year’s ceremony, which was held earlier this month in Exeter, saw the station win ‘Gold’ in both the categories the were nominated in – Student Radio Moment of the Year for their special continuous 25-hour live show to celebrate Radio LaB’s 25th birthday last year, and Outstanding Contribution for Radio & Audio alumnus Toby Crabb.
Terry Lee, Senior Tutor in Radio & Audio and co-ordinator of the station, said: “For over 25 years, Radio LaB has been a platform to enable young people to develop communication skills, confidence and, importantly, employability skills. These awards are fantastically symbolic of our rich radio history and how we are still so committed to developing broadcasting talent. A huge congratulations to Toby Crabb, Nathan Randle and the rest of the Radio LaB volunteers for these most recent award successes!”
These awards are just the latest accolades for Radio LaB to add to their trophy cabinet after the station took home two awards – Gold and Silver – at the Community Radio Awards back in November.
Speaking about this latest triumph, Toby – a recent graduate who worked as a station manager for Radio LaB during his time studying – said: “I am still speechless to win Gold for Outstanding Contribution. I didn’t expect to win anything, so I am very grateful. A massive thanks to Terry Lee for all the support and the encouragement he has given me during my time at Radio LaB.”
“For the station to then also win Gold for Student Radio Moment of the Year is just incredible. The 25-hour show to celebrate 25 years of Radio LaB was an amazing project, I am so proud of all the students at Radio LaB for all the dedication and hard work we put into producing that mad but brilliant show!”
Alongside its award glory, Radio LaB has a long history of helping successful alumni learn their craft. Many creative arts alumni who have hosted shows on the station during their time studying at Bedfordshire have gone on to prestigious broadcasting careers, including the likes of BBC Radio 1 presenting duo Melvin Odoom and Rickie Haywood-Williams.
Dr Carlota Larrea, Head of the School of Arts and Creative Industries, added: “Radio LaB continues to gather external recognition for their output and community work. This student-run community station provides an excellent professional opportunity for our radio students, who show real commitment and enthusiasm. It is also open for contributions from our larger student body and it can help hone students’ communication as well as technical skills, which are sought after by employers.”
