Community radio has gained national recognition after Rebecca Steers was Highly Commended at a major university alumni awards ceremony.
Rebecca, a graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, was acknowledged in the Alumni Contribution to Culture category for nearly two decades of work supporting and developing the UK community radio sector.
The honour was presented at the university’s Chelmsford campus, celebrating graduates making an impact across culture and society. Rebecca began her radio journey as a student, later helping secure a community licence for CUR1350, now Cam FM, while serving as station manager.
Since then, she has founded and co-founded several sector initiatives including Scout Radio, the Community Radio Awards and the UK Community Radio Network.
Through the network, Rebecca has supported collaboration between stations and represented the sector in discussions with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on funding, regulation and the role of volunteer-led broadcasting.
Professor Roderick Watkins said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome back so many of our outstanding alumni and celebrate their impact both in the workplace and in the communities they serve.”
Rebecca said: “Community radio has shaped my entire career… it really reflects the collective effort of community broadcasters across the UK.”
The recognition highlights the growing influence of community radio within the wider media landscape, with Rebecca’s work spanning local station management, national coordination and youth engagement.