NLive Radio’s in ‘golden era’ with national award win

The local radio station for Northampton has reason to celebrate after one of its presenters won a top award for his coverage of the late Queen’s life and reign.

NLive Radio is part of University of Northampton (UON) and features community interest and culture shows, music slots dedicated to specific tunes, views about local business and a Wellbeing Hour.

The station is mostly staffed by non-UON volunteers, including John Leivers. John carries listeners through the afternoon with news, feature stories and his tunes of the week for the station’s ‘Afternoon Delight’ show.

His output was recently recognised at the 2023 Community Radio Awards. The three hour show – held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne – celebrated and remembered the life of HM Queen Elizabeth II and her passing. For his coverage of the event, John received the Gold Award.

John says: “I am so happy to have been awarded gold by the judges. The story of the passing of the Queen was an international event, and our show told the local story of her death.

“The thing I love about local radio is telling the stories of our local communities. During this time I was able to talk to people about their experiences. From the Lord Lieutenant to the people marking their respects outside All Saints Church. I was speechless to say the least on the night. Totally unexpected. It’s great to have this kind of acknowledgment from my peers in local radio.”

As well as John receiving Gold the station received further recognition. Dr Audrey Tang, who presents the Wellbeing Lounge, received Silver in the Female Present of the year, as well as her show being a finalist as specialist content show of the year. Undiscovered Northampton presenter Paul Brennecke was a finalist for Sage Person of the Year.

You can hear John on his show, Monday to Friday from 2pm. NLive Radio broadcasts on 106.9FM across the town, online, through their app, or by asking your smart speaker to ‘Launch N Live Radio’.