Solent student wins best female presenter at Student Radio Awards
Friday 12 November 2010
Southampton Solent University graduate Mel Lewis is walking ‘on air’ today after being named best female presenter at the Student Radio Awards 2010.
The BA (Hons) Journalism and recent MA PR graduate beat more than 70 nominees to the top slot, and was presented with the prestigious award at a star studded ceremony at the IndigO2, O2 arena in London by her broadcast idol, Radio 1 DJ and TV presenter Annie Mac.
Mel, who juggled her weekly show for Solent’s student station, Radio Sonar, with an internship at the University and her MA studies, said:
"I don't think it has sunk in yet! Winning this award in such a competitive category is humbling and I am overwhelmed by the support shown. Radio Sonar is a fantastic station to have been a part of and alongside our other two nominations, this award proves that despite being a young station compared to other universities, Solent has the talent to compete against the best and come out on top."
The student radio awards – hosted this year by Radio 1 DJs Fearne Cotton and Greg James – celebrate the diversity of talent and content in student radio and help launch the next generation of radio industry professionals.
Each year hundreds of entries across 12 categories are judged by radio industry professionals to produce a short list of nominees. These are then whittled down to bronze, silver and gold award winner by some of the biggest names in radio including Andy Parfitt, Ashley Tabor, Steve Lamacq and Mark Goodier.
Winners of top spot in all categories receive prizes from the sponsors including work experience on big radio shows, one off shows on major networks or even equipment for their stations.
Mel, who still finds time to produce a Saturday sports programme for BBC Radio Sussex as well as working full-time in a busy press office, has her heart set on a career in radio.
"Radio is my passion and I’m looking forward to the prize of a one-off 3-hour show on my favourite station Radio 1. Hopefully I can give Annie Mac a run for her money! I owe a lot to the University for allowing me to ramble on air for four years and develop skills that are providing exciting career opportunities.”
The University’s student radio station, Radio Sonar – re-launched only a year ago – was also shortlisted for the Best student radio chart show and Best Technical achievement.
Ends
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE ON 023 80319040
For more information on the awards visit www.studentradioawards.co.uk
You can listen to Mel’s winning demo at http://soundcloud.com/melisonfire/mel-lewis-radio-demo-2010|| and read her reaction on her website: www.melisonfire.co.uk||