Spark celebrates biggest ever Student Radio Awards win

Published on 14, November, 2025

Spark, the University of Sunderland’s student-led community radio station, has won a record-breaking 10 awards at this year’s Student Radio Awards (SRAs), including Station of the Year.

Hosted by University alumnus Jordan North and Greg James at Indigo at the O2 arena in London, Sparkies took home 10 awards, including four golds, on one of the biggest nights in student radio.

Since 1995, the SRAs have celebrated the talent and contributions made by those in the student radio community.

This year, Spark won:

• Gold – Best Student Radio Station
• Gold – Best Entertainment Show – Diva Hour
• Gold – Best Newcomer – Luke Carr
• Gold – Best Podcast – Spark in the City
• Silver – Best Station Sound – Helen Lumsdon, Benjamin Moore and the Production Team
• Silver – Best Sports Programming – Playoff Final
• Silver – Best Station Diversity
• Silver – Best Interview – Grace Stewart-Piercy
• Bronze – Best Specialist Programming – The Diva Hour
• Bronze – Best Sports Programming – The Sports Show

Luke Carr, who studies Sports Journalism at the University and won Best Newcomer, said: “I am shocked, proud but most importantly so grateful. I wouldn't have won Best Newcomer tonight without the immense support from the Spark team. The confidence they've given me has been incredible, it's truly a special station. 

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"I love doing radio and it's not something I ever thought I'd be interested in before coming to the University, but I am so happy I took a risk and joined. I’m ecstatic to win this tonight and proud of the whole team on a very successful evening."

Cayden Highley, Head of Programming at Spark who studies Media Production at the University, said: “It’s pretty incredible isn’t it? I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team, everyone has had their own role to play, and they all pulled it off. 

I’m so thankful for Scott McGerty, Richard Berry, Bobbi Bunker, Grace McDonough and so many more names for bringing me into the station two years ago and giving me all the support I could’ve asked for. I wouldn’t be in the position I am without them. 

“The same goes for the current management team with Granger, Helen, Grace and Ben - truly incredible people who I couldn’t be happier to work with. 

“The whole night was fantastic from start to end. The awards are undoubtedly amazing, but it’s also not why we do it. There is so much passion and so much love behind what everyone does at Spark, and that’s the real beating heart behind the station.”

Dr Richard Berry, Associate Professor of Radio and Podcasting and Spark Station Manager, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and exhilarated. I am so proud of the team for not only an incredible set of nominations, but to then come away with ten awards is such an outstanding achievement for everyone involved.

“When I heard our station of the year entry, I knew it was great. It was a real testament to the talent and commitment of the Spark team, from Luke Carr winning his first ever award, the production team, our amazing sports team, and the management team who keep it all together, everyone is a star. 

“We work hard to give our volunteers the space, support, and encouragement to develop, and these awards show how they rise to the challenge. It is perhaps fitting that one of our winning elements was coverage of the playoff final that put Sunderland AFC back into the Premier League.

“Spark is a 24/7 being; we keep it running every day of the year (even Christmas Day), and this helps build amazing skills in our team. We couldn’t do it without their commitment and the incredible support the station gets from the University.”

If you are interested in studying Media Production at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.