Luton’s student-run radio station has capped its most successful year to date after scooping six honours at the Student Radio Awards.
Radio LaB, based at the University of Bedfordshire’s campus in Park Town, beat stiff national competition to secure a trio of gold prizes along with silver and bronze awards plus an extra creativity accolade.
The haul marks a significant moment for the community station, which is staffed by student volunteers and serves as a training ground for would-be broadcasters. It follows swiftly on from Radio LaB winning three Community Radio Awards earlier this year, strengthening its reputation as one of the most successful student stations in the country.
Senior tutor Terry Lee said the results were a clear sign of how far the station has come and how strong its student talent base has become.
“Earning gold, silver and bronze across all five shortlisted categories underlines what a remarkable year this has been for Radio LaB and the students who power it. I’m so proud of them, particularly Dani and Emma for their outstanding contributions. Radio LaB is a student-led, real-world media environment where ideas come to life – and that’s exactly the kind of experience that makes our students industry-ready.”
The station’s wins included gold for station sound led by student Danielle Foley, gold for best producer for Emma Stigter, and gold for best news and journalistic programming for Emma’s feature on pirate radio. It also picked up silver for best podcast programming and bronze for station branding. The pirate radio feature added a further bronze creativity award.
Five students travelled to London’s O2 for the ceremony, joining hundreds of aspiring broadcasters and industry leaders celebrating the sector’s rising talent. For many, the awards are viewed as a major springboard into professional radio.
Emma Stigter said the recognition has already started shaping her career ambitions, saying: “Breaking Radio LaB records at the Student Radio Awards and helping us win golds has been a game-changer for me. Award recognition like this is a real foot in the door towards my goal of becoming a producer and it shows what’s possible for students at Beds. It’s exciting to feel my media career beginning.”
Radio LaB operates as a community station that mirrors professional standards, offering access to industry-grade studios and equipment on campus. The university says its success reflects a wider push to give students practical experience and networks that help them into work after graduation.
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