A former Academy student collected an award for Male Presenter of the Year award at the Community Radio Awards ceremony which was held virtually this evening.
The Bronze award for Tom Lamb meant that after collecting as many as eight national Community Radio Awards in the space of three years, Erewash Sound had made it nine awards in four years. The Awards have only been running for five years so far.
The news of further success comes after the already award-winning radio station submitted seventeen entries in 2019, receiving six nominations in five categories and picking up two awards, and after submitting a number of entries for 2020, receiving two nominations.
Across a wide variety of specialisms and topics, a shortlisting in the awards is recognition of a commitment to community, craft and causes. For the 2020 awards, more than 460 entries from 90 licenced stations have been whittled down to five per category.
Tom Lamb was one of five nominees in the running to be Male Presenter of the Year whilst another Academy graduate, Ollie Darvill was nominated for a chance to secure an ‘Entertainment Show of the Year’ honour.
Usually held as an attended ceremony at a venue somewhere in the UK, attracting delegates from across the four nations, the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic took the event on line this year with people turning to social media and the main Awards website to watch the event unfold and the awards handed out.
The radio station submitted a number of entries again this year – many from former Academy students – and manager Jeff Martin acknowledged the effort of those presenters who didn’t make the shortlist for 2020 whilst congratulating those who had been successful this year.
Speaking to members via a private social media page, station manager Jeff Martin said: “Congratulations to Tom Lamb – Bronze Award in Best Male presenter at tonight’s Community Radio Awards. Also to Ollie who got nominated. Brilliant achievement. So proud of you both. and proud of all our presenters. You’re all winners everyday”
Earlier in the year, awards chair Martin Steers said: “This year has been a challenge for the sector, with studio lockdowns, loss of income and cancelled events. However, community radio stations have responded by stepping up engagement with their local communities, with more programming and innovative presenters.
“We are excited to announce that this year’s awards have more entries than ever before. The quality of the entries continues to grow, and the judges are always blown away by the output, engagement, entertainment, and social gain that the sector produces.
“It is clear to see from this, that passionate presenters, volunteers, and staff are really there for their audiences. These local radio stations are truly at the heart of their communities.”