Published on 13 November 2018
Stuart Russell, who graduates MA Radio later this month, picked up two Gold awards at the 2018 Student Radio Awards (SRAs) for Best Podcast, and SRA's most prestigious prize, the Kevin Greening Award for Creativity.
It was a night of dazzling success for Sunderland MA Radio graduates, with Emma Casson collecting two further Gold awards for Best Interview and Best Speech programming, and Larnie Moles picking up a Silver award for Best Specialist Music Programme for her documentary Makina: The Grime of the North East.
The Student Radio Awards, supported by BBC Radio 1 and Global are the definitive celebration of student radio. Over the years student radio has launched the careers of Rich Clarke, Annie Mac and Greg James to name but a few. The Awards serves both to celebrate the diversity of content and talent in student radio and to help launch the next generation of radio talent into the radio industry.
Stuart Russell, 27, originallly from Fife in Scotland, studied BA Broadcast Media and MA Radio at Sunderland. His podcast Poetical won Gold for best podcast and the Gold Kevin Greening Award. Poetical is a series of short, experimental soundscapes, built around original poetry.
"The whole idea was to sound out imagined landscapes, and for a brief moment, take the listener to alien destinations," says Stuart. "My work is very experimental and definitely challenges what radio might become. I have Andy Cartwright [Programme Leader, MA Radio] to thank for pushing me to push the boundaries, exploring sound as an art form."
Earlier this year Stuart also won a New York Radio Award for his autobiographical documentary, The Brain Garden.
"To be recognised for creative work that does not fit the mold, and often goes unheard, means a great deal to me as an independent artist and producer. I am really grateful to have been rewarded so highly."
Stuart is currently producing an episode of Between the Ears with Soundscape Productions, Eyebrow Media and BBC Radio 3, which will air next year.
You can hear Stuart Russell's work, including Poetical, at www.eyebrowmedia.com (link is external) & www.resonancefm.com (link is external).
The 2018 SRA Awards received over five hundred entries across thirteen categories. These entries are whittled down to a Bronze, Silver and Gold award winner by some of the biggest names in radio.