Bedfordshire student James Montague is nominated for the ‘Speech and Journalism’ award, and Senior Tutor in Radio, Terry Lee, has been nominated for ‘Podcast of the Year’ for his podcast Fantastic Noise.

Nominations were whittled down from more than the 425 entries by community radio stations representing communities from every corner of the UK.

The Community Radio Awards announce their winners on 26 October 2019.

.@RadioLaB971fm are proud to be shortlisted for 2 Community Radio Awards! 📻🔊🎉

James Montague's documentary 'Autism and It's Possibilities' is up for the Speech and Journalism of the Year award.@aFantasticNoise is up for 'Best Podcast'.

The awards ceremony is on Oct 26th.

— Radio LaB 97.1fm (@RadioLaB971fm) September 28, 2019

James’ nomination is for his radio documentary titled ‘Autism and its Possibilities’. He says: “It contains snapshots of my life from childhood to adulthood and explores the advantages and disadvantages I have had living with Asperger’s Syndrome. The programme also introduces other people on the autistic spectrum and how they live with the condition.

“I wanted to spread a positive message that autism is not something to be ashamed of, that we are a valuable asset to society and that we are able to achieve great things. This programme has allowed me to open up, it has given me confidence, pride and has also allowed me to explore autism in greater depth.”

Senior Tutor Terry Lee said: “It’s wonderful for James to be recognised for his excellent documentary. His work was a great example of engaging storytelling, sound design and his personality shining through, above all else. Radio LaB is proud to have been able to broadcast this powerful programme.”

During our chat with @tweetsarahmyles about #sounddesign we learnt that she really, really likes spectral frequency display #audioediting. 🎧 📻🎙️

Find us on your favourite #podcast app, or at https://t.co/svGAS0B3oz#makingpodcasts #makingradio #editing #bbc pic.twitter.com/Nq2pyY8Zk1

— Fantastic Noise (@aFantasticNoise) October 1, 2019

Terry’s own podcast, Fantastic Noise, has been nominated for ‘Podcast of the Year’. Terry said: “It is lovely recognition. It’s great the judges felt Fantastic Noise had something to offer students and radio enthusiasts looking to break into the radio and audio industry.

“I hope being nominated for such a fantastic award helps to raise awareness of the work Radio LaB is doing – giving local students and young people a platform to tell their stories and have their say.”

Martin Steers, awards chair of the Community Radio Awards, said: "Now in their fourth year, the entries are getting better and better, and we’re really able to show off the diverse broadcasting that the countries stations undertake for the benefit of their communities.

“Every year I continue to be proud by the quality of the submissions and what they represent, the fantastic work that our community radio stations do in their communities.”