University radio station wins at national student awards

The annual event took place on Wednesday 16th November at the glitzy O2 Arena in London. As a celebration of student radio across the nation, the highly anticipated event recognises the talent and successes of university-based stations and the students who volunteer there.

Nominated in multiple categories, Shock Radio was up for ‘Best Station Sound’, ‘Best Station Branding’, ‘Best Producer’, and ‘Best Technical Achievement’. 

Station Manager, Matthew Green, said “It was great to see four nominations. We are incredibly proud of the team, and everyone involved over the past year.

“Our society is a great community of people from all different backgrounds and courses within the University, certainly not just media. We have formed a family”.

On the night, Shock Radio came away with two bronze awards, for ‘Best Station Sound’ and ‘Best Producer’. Awarded under the late Joe Lyons’ name, former Station Manager and Presenter, Alex Charles won bronze for Best Producer.

He said: “Joe Lyons was an incredible man. From his creative decisions to his work ethic, it was always just perfection. To be presented with an award in his name is a true blessing”.

Now studio managing at BBC Radio 5Live, Alex reminisced on his time in the society. 

“Being the first black, male station manager at Shock was very overwhelming. I didn’t quite believe it when I got nominated and it didn’t sink in until I got home. I’m just a little boy from Croydon, south London. This sort of thing really doesn’t happen to young black males like me.”

Alex added: “Student radio has been there for me when no one else was. It allowed me to be comfortable in myself. Even when everything goes wrong on air, it’s all worth it in the end”. 

“The SRA awards prove that anything is possible with hard work and dedication”.

After winning bronze for ‘Best Station Sound’, Matthew Green said: “We’re working on a new sound this year, building on what won us bronze last year, and aiming for gold in 2023”.