'To be recognised at this level feels amazing': Northampton community radio station sports show wins national award

A weekly sports show on a Northampton community radio station has picked up a national broadcasting award.

NLive Radio's Monday Morning Sports Show landed a silver award at the 2020 Community Radio Awards during a virtual ceremony on Saturday (December 12).

Host Will Oelrich, who is a student at Northampton College, said: “To get silver in the Community Radio Awards is a fantastic achievement for me but also for the station.

"I was buzzing when I won silver as to be recognised at this level feels amazing. The future for sport is bright at NLive.

“It’s a great station to be part of. There is a real community feel, and I love doing my show every week and receiving feedback from my listeners."

"All the volunteers at the station are so supportive and I can’t thank them all enough, along with all of the staff at Northampton College who have been incredibly helpful.”

The University of Northampton multimedia sports journalism students report on local league football as well as interviewing Northampton Saints players.

Will has been studying multimedia journalism at Northampton College and is looking to progress on to university to study sports journalism before pursuing a career in the broadcast media.

NLive station manager Martin Steers said: “A huge congratulations to Will for receiving this award and for all the hard work he does for NLive and supporting the local sports here in Northampton.

“I’m proud that the station is growing and this award is testament to the passion our presenters have for Northampton, our community and our local audience.”

The annual Community Radio Awards are designed to recognise a commitment to community, craft and causes on the airwaves around the country.

Maxine Jones, one of the awards’ directors, said: “The awards showcase and celebrate the fantastic activity of community radio and what it does for the communities it serves.

“This year has been incredibly challenging, and stations such as NLive Radio have proven their value at the heart of their local areas.

“The recognition for the sports show is well deserved, and we hope it recognises their success and encourages others to engage, represent and support their communities.”