BBC Radio 6Music has been named the UK Station of the Year at the 2012 Sony Radio Academy Awards.
The 30th Sony Awards took place last night (May 14th) at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, with the digital station being praised by the judges for ‘a confidence across its schedule that not only reflects a real passion for music but also a firm understanding of the audience’.
The industry recognition completes an incredible turn around in fortunes for the station, whose future was put in series doubt back in 2010 when the BBC’s Director General announced a series of cost-cutting measures being planned by the corporation would include the closure of 6Music.
However, after an impassioned campaign by DJs, musicians and fans, the station staved off the threat and went on to enjoy record breaking listening figures.
The ceremony was hosted by the broadcaster Chris Evans, who took home the Music Radio Personality of the Year gong, beating 6Music’s Lauren Laverne and Christian O’Connell of Absolute Radio in the process.
Steve Lamacq’s weekly afternoon show on 6Music was amongst those who missed out on the Best Music Programme award, which was taken home by Radio 1’s Fearne Cotton for ‘an excellent blend of the best new and live music, audience interaction and event coverage’ according to the judges.