RNIB Connect Radio recognised with ARIAS nomination

Glasgow-based RNIB Connect Radio has been recognised with a nomination at the 2025 Audio and Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS), in the ‘Best Event Coverage’ category, for its impactful and inclusive coverage of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

The nomination marks another milestone for the station, which was established by leading sight loss charity RNIB to provide news, information, and entertainment for blind and partially sighted audiences across the UK. It was RNIB Connect Radio’s first-time reporting from the Paralympic Games as they aimed to highlight accessible sport and the experiences of Paralympics GB’s blind and partially sighted athletes.

A nomination for an ARIAS – judged by more than 200 senior audio and radio professionals from across the industry – is a prestigious recognition in its own right. The ‘Best Event Coverage’ category honours stations that demonstrate creative and innovative storytelling around live events. While this year’s award went to BBC Three for its BBC Proms coverage, RNIB Connect Radio’s nomination highlighted the station’s commitment to compelling and inclusive broadcasting.

It was with the support of David Clarke OBE, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association and a blind former Paralympian himself, that RNIB Connect Radio was granted access to the Paralympics GB House in Paris. This base allowed the RNIB Connect Radio team to broadcast five live morning shows and capture over 40 interviews with athletes, officials, and spectators, some just moments after the athletes’ events.

Beyond the sports coverage, the station featured discussions with broadcaster Channel 4 about the Audio Description available for viewers with sight loss. The team also produced seven feature segments that brought Paris to life for listeners, exploring iconic landmarks the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Pompidou Centre and the Olympic Cauldron.

RNIB Connect Radio previously won Gold for Community Station of the Year at the 2024 ARIAS, having celebrated 20 years of broadcasting in 2023. Today, the station reaches 80,000 listeners and its podcasts are downloaded more than 20,000 times each month. It has 12 presenters, all of whom have sight loss and broadcasts fresh content around the clock.

Yvonne Milne, Head of RNIB Connect Radio says,

“We are so honoured to have been nominated for this year’s ARIAS. It reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of the blind and partially sighted community who share their stories with us. We set out to spotlight the Paralympians achievements with the respect and depth they deserve, and to demonstrate that sport is for everyone. This recognition tells us we’re on the right track, and we couldn’t be prouder.

“A heartfelt thank you to our brilliant staff and volunteers who pour their energy and passion into everything we produce, and to the judges and The Radio Academy for recognising the value of what RNIB Connect Radio brings to the airwaves.”

David Clarke, CEO of ParalympicsGB, adds,

“I am thrilled RNIB Connect Radio’s coverage of the ParalympicsGB team at Paris 2024 has been nominated for an ARIA. It recognises how well RNIB Connect Radio serves its audience of predominantly blind and partially sighted people, and that they do so with great insight, professionalism and warmth.

“We were delighted to host the RNIB team at ParalympicsGB House precisely so they could connect more of their audience with the wonder of the Games and who knows, perhaps inspire some future Paralympians or encourage people to try some new activities through our Every Body Moves platform.”

The ARIAS Awards ceremony took place at ODEON Luxe, Leicester Square in London on 14 May.

* RNIB Connect Radio can be heard on 101 FM in the Glasgow area, and elsewhere on Freeview 730 and online.