Local station recognised in national Community Radio Awards during landmark 10th anniversary year

Rutland & Stamford Sound, your local community radio station, has been recognised at the 2026 Community Radio Awards, which this year celebrated a decade of recognising excellence in community broadcasting across the UK.

The Gold Award for Celebrating & Championing the Community Radio of the Year was presented to the station and collected on stage by Station Manager Rob Persani and Business Development Officer and journalist Angela Wilson, following a rigorous judging process designed to recognise outstanding programming, community engagement, innovation and impact.

The awards were presented during a ceremony held in Birmingham, alongside the national community radio conference organised by the UK Community Radio Network, bringing together community broadcasters from across the country.

Rob Persani said: "Our fifth birthday was an unforgettable day which saw so many locals come together for their local radio. 

To have our coverage of the day recognised nationally was a very special moment for our brilliant team and our wonderful listeners.”

The station was also a finalist in the Digital Content category for their website, social media, app and online events calendar.

Angela Wilson said: “This award is for everyone involved in our station both on air and behind the scenes, and also for the local people and places that trust us with telling their stories and covering their local events.”

Rebecca Steers, Chair of the Community Radio Awards, said:

"As we celebrate ten years of the Community Radio Awards, it's fantastic to recognise the people and stations who continue to make a real difference in their communities. This award is a testament to the dedication, creativity and commitment shown by Rutland & Stamford Sound and to the impact community radio has across the UK."

She added:

"The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, making recognition even more significant. For ten years these awards have showcased the very best of community broadcasting, and organisations like Rutland & Stamford Sound demonstrate why community radio remains such an important part of local life."

The Community Radio Awards were established in 2016 and have spent the last decade celebrating the achievements of volunteers, presenters, producers, managers and stations serving communities across the United Kingdom.