Isle of Wight Radio Staff. From left, Michael Coombes, Alison Hedges, Claire Willis, Hedley Finn, Heather McCallum, Paul Topping, Lou Smith, Jason Smith, Susie Carvell and Martin Carrington
ISLE of Wight Radio has won a top award at the prestigious Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards.
The station was selected as the best small commercial radio station in the country, with judges praising the station for its support for local charities and events, among its strengths.
The radio team received the Station of The Year Award with under 300,000 TSA (Total Service Area) at a star-studded ceremony at London’s Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel, attended by Take That’s Mark Owen and classical star, Katherine Jenkins.
There were 28 categories at this year’s awards, including the new category, Radio Station Event of the Year and seven categories for radio advertising, in what is recognised as the biggest annual celebration of UK commercial radio.
Claire Willis, managing director of IW Radio, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that the amazing team at IW Radio have been rewarded with the ultimate accolade for commercial radio. The team received many compliments on the night from other industry professionals which along with the judges comments topped off a great evening."
Judges unanimously selected IW Radio for the award, congratulating the team for being a 'proper local radio with warm, engaging presenters who really do live the life of their community.'
The Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards, now in their 17th year, are organised by RadioCentre, the industry body for commercial radio, and recognise excellence and achievement in commercial radio output, from presenters and programming to advertising and marketing.