Sunrise Radio, the first commercial Asian radio station in the UK was named Radio Station of the Year at the 2016 Asian Media Awards.
The AMA’s recognise excellence in the media with categories in journalism, online, radio, television and marketing. The awards are sponsored by the University of Salford and took place the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
Sunrise did face an uncertain future some years ago but this was a story of how commercial radio can rejuvenate itself.
MD Tony Lit was keen to thank staff, listeners and the vision and efforts of his father Avtar Lit who established the station back in 1989.
He was joined on stage by presenters Anushka Arora, Shabnam Sahi and new morning host Raj Ghai.
Tony said, “Any appreciation when you get an award is always fantastic.
“At the end of the day, no better appreciation is when you get it from your peers and from your audience.
“And when you get it from your peers, like today, it’s fantastic.”
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, Sunrise Radio was the first Asian commercial radio station in the UK.
It very soon became one of the UK’s leading Asian radio stations serving the Asian community with its brand of entertainment programmes, discussions and music, setting the Asian culture in a Western context .
Sunrise Radio also runs a Radio Training Academy providing free training for any budding radio presenters and journalists.
Sunrise Radio began their nationwide broadcast earlier this year, providing young British Asians with an important link to their music, culture and heritage.
The University of Salford are premier sponsors to the 2016 events and partners include ITV, MediaCom, Press Association Training and the Manchester Evening News.
The official charity partners for 2016 are The Asian Circle and Oxfam.
The Asian Media Awards 2016 are supported by Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Manchester Metropolitan University, Routes into Languages, AMT Lawyers, Espoke Living, Supreme Dream Events, Cleartwo & Payal.
For further information please e-mail umbreen@asianmediaawards.com.
