Former Social Policy student wins top radio award
Social Policy alumna and radio presenter at Southampton’s award-winning Unity 101 Community Radio, is celebrating being crowned the national 2013 Radio Personality of the Year by the UK BEFFTA Awards – dubbed the ‘Black BAFTAs’ – which recognises outstanding talents in Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television & Arts.
Veronica Gordon graduated in BSc(Soc) Social Policy and Administration in 2005 and now presents the ‘Vibrant Vibes radio show’ on Unity 101 Community Radio bringing vibrant music – such as afrobeats, calypso and reggae - to Southampton’s airwaves, alongside vibrant chat, community news and events.
After successfully surviving the BEFFTA Award’s strict short-listing process, Veronica placed as a nominee, and the Award winners were selected by public vote, with Veronica receiving overwhelming support from local people.
Veronica said: “I’m still in shock that I won! Some of the other nominees in my category were very popular radio presenters from London, with bigger followings than me so I never thought I’d beat them! When they announced my name as the winner, everything just went blur! I could hear my family and friends cheering and they swept me up into their arms – which was a good thing as my legs would’ve given way! I keep kicking myself now though as I didn’t have a winner’s speech prepared, so I just thanked everyone and proudly mentioned that I’m from Southampton. My award was announced by one of my radio inspirations & previous BEFFTA Award winner, DJ Abrantee from Global Radio’s newest hit station Capital Xtra! Everything was so surreal.”
