Corby teen wins prestigious radio 'Oscar'

A teenager from Corby has won been handed a coveted award for their his work on the radio show he broadcasts around the world from his bedroom.

Brooke Weston pupil Oli Hackett won the Best in Music prize at the Young Audio Awards for hos show Musicals My Way, which he broadcasts to radio stations around the world from his home studio.

He is also a regular on Kettering station Shire Sounds and a member of Corby Amateur Theatrical Society.

Now in their second year, the Young Audio Awards shine a spotlight on young people who make radio shows, podcasts, and anything in between, whether through schools and local organisations or in their bedrooms – and the coronavirus outbreak wasn’t going to stop that happening, with the awards ceremony livestreamed via YouTube today (Thursday 7 May).

Oli said: “I’m so happy to have won a Young Audio Award! I love being on air and it’s given me so much confidence. This is the first step to following my dreams and it was so cool to watch the livestream event.”

Award Ambassadors Matt Edmondson and Mollie King from BBC Radio 1 were joined on screen by some of the biggest talent in radio handing out awards from their living rooms, with Annie Mac presenting Best In Music to Oli Hackett.

Other guest presenters included TV and BBC Radio 2 presenter Rylan, BBC Radio 5 Live’s Laura Whitmore, singer and Hits Radio Breakfast presenter Fleur East, KISS FM’s Tyler West and Swarzy, and BBC Radio 1’s Greg James. Also on hand to provide some extra magic to the ceremony was pop star HRVY, who performed an intimate acoustic session from his home.

The Young Audio Awards aim to widen the talent pool coming into radio and provide opportunities for young people to access an exciting industry that they may not otherwise be able to.

The judging panel, which includes experts from across the radio and audio industries, including those who work behind the scenes and on-air talent, were looking for passion, enthusiasm, and in-depth knowledge from entrants, as well as skills including script writing, presenting, news-gathering, and editing and producing. Awards were also given out for educational and technical achievements.

Siobhan Kenny, CEO of Radiocentre which organises the awards, said: “Tomorrow’s radio stars, whether on air or behind the scenes, are incredibly driven and enthusiastic, and clearly care about their craft. The audio industry is in safe hands with them and I’m glad we were able to celebrate their talent with a special virtual ceremony.”