The UK’s biggest commercial radio company is re-igniting its support for the Student Radio Awards.
Global Radio will join BBC Radio 1 as headline supporters of the annual event in a new three-year agreement.
The Student Radio Association says the new partnership marks the beginning of a new era for the Awards, bringing together two of the biggest names in the radio industry to share in the support and recognition of the incredible talent of grass-roots radio in the UK.
Radio Today understands that Global Radio declined to officially support the event for the last couple of years after a clash over sponsorship exclusivity. Today’s deal thankfully resolves any previous issues.
The ceremony and after party are attended by over five hundred students at the indig02, as well as a large number of industry guests. In addition to the headline supporters, many other radio groups and industry stakeholders contribute to the success of the event. Last year, this included Absolute Radio, Bauer Media, UBC Media, GMG, UK RadioPlayer, music licensing company PPL and a number of other BBC radio brands..
Fred Bradley, Chair of The Student Radio Association, said: “Now in its seventeenth year, the Student Radio Awards continues to recognise the efforts and skill of aspiring UK radio talent. We are delighted that BBC Radio 1 and Global Radio have joined forces. That not only allows us to continue showcasing the next generation of top presenters and programmers, but will develop the skills of students, for these up-and-coming stars.”
The Student Radio Awards began life in 1996 as an idea for “a showpiece occasion for student radio” put forward in a letter by former SRA Chair Nick Wallis to then BBC Radio 1 Controller Matthew Bannister. In the 16 years since that first exchange, BBC Radio 1 has been the headline supporter of the Awards, enabling the event to grow from its humble beginnings into the successful showcase of student radio talent it is today.
Radio Today will once again be attending the event to bring you the winners and back-stage gossip as it happens.