PURE has launched a new nationwide grant to support student radio stations across the UK.
The initiative, created with the Student Radio Association, marks 25 years since PURE began trading and was unveiled on World Radio Day, Friday 13th February, by BBC Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson.
Richie said: “I owe so much to my time in student radio, it’s genuinely where everything started for me. I learned how to tell stories, how to connect with listeners, and how to be myself behind the mic.”
He added: “These stations are full of passion, ideas and brilliant young talent, but they often operate on tiny budgets. This support will make a real difference.”
The grant aims to help student stations manage rising running and equipment costs, with PURE saying increasing student expenses are putting early broadcasting opportunities at risk.
To coincide with the launch, PURE commissioned research of 2,000 Britons. It found 38% would rather listen to radio than watch television, while 57% still tune in regularly, averaging 11 hours a week.
Hubert Eiter for PURE said: “As we mark PURE’s 25th anniversary, we’re investing in the next generation of broadcasters through a new grant created with the Student Radio Association.”
Top 10 Most Powerful Radio Moments of the last 25 years
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The announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II (2022) – 46%
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The first COVID lockdown reactions across UK radio (March 2020) – (43%)
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The Today Programme covers the unfolding tragedy of 9/11 (2001) -l (25%)
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The 7/7 London Bombings (2005) – (19%)
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Death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (2021) – (15%)
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England Lionesses Winning Euro 2022 -(14%)
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The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla (2023) – (13%)
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Brexit referendum night and aftermath on Radio 4 (2016) – (13%)
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Sir Terry Wogan’s final Radio 2 broadcast (2009) – (12%)
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Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011) – (11%)
TOP 10 Radio Shows of the last 25 years
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Chris Moyles Breakfast Show (BBC Radio 1)
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Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston & Amanda Holden (Heart FM)
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Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp (Capital FM)
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Ken Bruce – Mid Morning with PopMaster (BBC Radio 2)
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Chris Evans Breakfast Show (Virgin Radio)
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Greg James Breakfast Show (BBC Radio 1)
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The John Peel Show (BBC Radio 1)
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Zoe Ball Breakfast Show (BBC Radio 2)
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Desert Island Discs (BBC Radio 4)
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Scott Mills Show (BBC Radio 1)
TOP 10 Radio stations of the last 25 years
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BBC Radio 1
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Heart FM
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BBC Radio 2
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Capital
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Kiss FM
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Smooth FM
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Absolute Radio
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Classic FM
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BBC Radio 4
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The Hits Radio
The findings are based on a nationally representative online survey conducted for PURE via research and insights agency Perspectus Global in February 2026.