The work of Andover’s local radio station has been recognised with three nominations in the 2020 Community Radio Awards.
Emerging local media personality Luis Wyatt and the Love Andover #LoveBus projects have been shortlisted for the UK-wide awards which recognises the efforts of local radio stations.
Former Winton Community Academy student Luis Wyatt, who last week celebrated his 18th birthday, has been shortlisted in the Male Radio Presenter of the Year and Young Person of the Year categories.
Luis who co-hosted last year’s Christmas lights switch on and Andover Radio’s Saturday breakfast programme says, “I am thrilled to hear that I have been shortlisted for two awards. I was getting up at 5am on a Saturday for quite a while…
“That alarm feels worth it! Can’t wait for the online awards show next month”.
Luis was notable for his daily ‘Dancing in the Street’ during the initial lockdown period where he encouraged people to dance on their doorsteps at 11:00am to a song played on Andover Radio. His madcap antics to Black Lace’s ‘Superman’ gained thousands of views:
Andover Radio’s community activities through its various #LoveBus projects is also recognised in the Community Development Project of the Year category.
The #LoveBus is a single-decker community bus which was pivotal in distributing over 100 prescriptions a day to people over 65 during the first lockdown period. The bus has recently been offered to the NHS to help reduce pressures on GP surgeries as a new Covid-19 vaccine is distributed.
Awards chairman Martin Steers says, “Shortlisting in the Awards is recognition of a commitment to community, craft and causes. More than 460 entries have been whittled down.
“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.”
Last year, local singer-songwriter Alex Krupa was recognised for his country music programme on Andover Radio at a lavish awards ceremony in south Wales. This year the ceremony will be taking place virtually on December 12th and will be streamed on YouTube.
Andover Radio founder David Harber added, “Whereas these awards focus on only one small part of the continuous great work that community radio stations do every single hour of the day, I am especially pleased that the hugely talented Luis has been shortlisted. He’s definitely ‘one to watch’ for future media stardom.
“I also want to praise the exceptional work of our LoveBus team. Their work since March this year has been unparalleled locally – or perhaps nationally – in finding new, creative and engaging ways to provide a growing range of benefits to individuals across the area. I am so proud of them all.”
The radio awarda shortlist comes as the Andover Radio team also received a nomination for Community Group of the Year from the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation.
