Published on 6, November, 2024
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Spark, the University of Sunderland’s student-led community radio station, has bagged nine nominations at this year’s Student Radio Awards (SRA).
The SRAs, hosted at the Indigo at The O2 arena in London, has been recognising the talent and dedication in student radio since 1995.
Judged by nearly 200 industry professionals, it is one of the biggest nights for student radio nationally.
Spark and its talented broadcasters have bagged a total of nine nominations across multiple categories which include:
- The Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award – Spark Pride
- The Joe Lyons Award for Best Producer – Rollie Joe Carney
- Best Specialist Music Programming – All things Alt/Europhoria/Rainbow Brigade
- Best Creative Speech Programming – The Toolbox/Glass Children
- Best Entertainment Programming – All Things Alt
- Best Presenter – Megan Percival
Rollie Joe Carney, who studied Radio, Audio and Podcasting at the University and co-host of The Toolbox, said: “We work hard together every week and it’s incredibly rewarding to get some recognition for that work.
“We realised how important it was to try and reclaim the phrase Men’s issues back from people who aren’t trying to help men and hopefully the platform that the nomination gives us spreads the work we’re doing to a new listener who might need a show like ours. It feels fitting that the Student Radio Awards happen to fall on International Men’s Day.
“I was surprised to get a nomination for best producer, not because I doubt the skills I have learnt on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting degree but because I know how creative and talented student producers up and down the country are, so it’s really nice to be in the conversation alongside other skilled producers.
“To be a graduating master’s student and soon to be community volunteer at Spark is something that I am incredibly proud of because of the encouragement to push the envelope and try different things out creatively.”
Megan Percival, who studied Radio, Audio and Podcasting and host of All things Alt, said: "It's absolutely mind blowing to have received these nominations.
“I credit them to the combined power of hard work, an incredible team around me at Spark and insane amounts of perseverance. Really looking forward to the awards in London. Hoping the Sparkies can go and paint the town orange!"
Established in 2009, Spark has celebrated its 15th anniversary, with another 5 years confirmed with the renewal of its Ofcom broadcasting licence.
Dr Richard Berry, lecturer in radio at the University and Spark Station Manager, said: “These nominations are great news for the station and the individuals who have worked so hard for them.
“We are in the process of putting our new volunteers on-air for the first time this month and for them to see these nominations is going to be incredibly motivational.
“We have some amazing nominations across a range of genres and formats, including programmes that celebrate Pride, passion for music, and a very powerful documentary. This shows the huge talent that we have in Spark.”
The Student Radio Awards will be held in London on Tuesday 19th November.
If you are interested in studying Radio, Audio and Podcasting at the University of Sunderland, find out here. You can also check out the Spark Studios on one of our open days. Book your place here.