NSR has been shortlisted for five Amplify Awards and will be attending the SRA Conference in Salford from March 31 to April 2. Meanwhile, the Courier will head to Exeter for SPANC from April 4 to 6, where they are nominated for four SPA National Awards.
NSR has been shortlisted across several categories, including the ‘Student Radio Resilience Award’, which recognises a station for overcoming challenges beyond their control, and the ‘Best Station Culture’ award. Moreover, they have also been shortlisted in the ‘Most Supportive University or Student’s Union’ category.
The Amplify Awards shortlist has also reflected the dedication of individual members of NSR. George Brownless, the former Head of Technology, has been shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ category, whilst for the ‘Most Committed Committee Member’ category, Erin Reid, the Station Manager, has received recognition.
Erin said that she felt “so proud of NSR, it's not always been easy with different tech failures and issues - I think it just goes to show that you don't need the fanciest tech, it's really about the people and the ideas and working hard when it comes to student radio.”
“I am also amazed that I was shortlisted, I really didn't think I'd make it but I'm so pleased. I can't wait to go to SRAcon next week, where the awards will take place!”
These nominations will only add to NSR’s growing collection of accreditations after they took home their first gold Amplify award for the ‘Best Student Media Collaboration’ in 2024.
This year, there have been a record number of entries for the SPA National Awards, which will bring together student journalists across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the work of student publications.
After being awarded for having the ‘Best Science Section’ nationally in 2024, the Courier has now been shortlisted for both the ‘Best Sports Section’ and ‘Best Culture Section’ awards. Alongside this, the publication has also received recognition in the ‘Best Design (Newspaper)’ category.
Sarah Tunstall, one of the Heads of Culture at the Courier, recalled the moment they learned about the nomination: “My phone died as we were shortlisted, and as I charged it, I saw all the texts from Adam, the other Head of Culture, asking me to call him. I called him, confused, and he screamed, ‘We’ve been shortlisted!’ – I was over the moon.”
“I find that culture sometimes goes unnoticed, and to see our paper there on the list made me feel so proud and happy to put ourselves out there. The work and dedication the team puts in is invaluable. I was lost for words but feeling so much at the same time.”
One of the Courier’s Heads of Life and Style, Marina Snyder, has also earned an individual nomination for the prestigious ‘Best Reporter’ award. Marina, who has been part of the Courier since 2022, said: “I think I’m still in a bit of shock having being shortlisted but also so overjoyed. I started out as a timid volunteer writer for The Courier almost three years ago and I feel like I’ve come so far since then.”
"To have my work recognized is an incredible privilege, especially with there being so much talent in this industry. Being given a platform to write and share my stories every week is something so special to me - and it makes me very grateful to be part of an amazing team. I can’t wait for Exeter in April!”
The winners of the Amplify Awards will be announced on April 1 at the SRA Conference, whilst the SPA National Awards winners will be revealed at SPANC on April 5.