Nestled in the underground of the Guild, Burn FM is the University of Birmingham’s student-run radio station. But it’s more than just a broadcasting platform, Burn FM is a thriving community where students, regardless of experience level, can develop their radio skills in a welcoming environment.

With over 60 shows and more than 80 presenters, Burn FM strives to foster creativity and inclusivity, and this dedication has not gone unnoticed. This month, the station was nominated for three Student Radio Association (SRA) Amplify Awards: Best Station Culture, Best Fundraising Initiative, and Moment of the Year. To fully understand what sets Burn FM apart from rival radio stations, I spoke with Station Manager Thomas Wykes and Head of Tech Bradley Cable.

So, Tom, tell me a little about Burn.

Burn FM is the University of Birmingham’s student radio station, covering music, sports, news, and the arts. The station is about getting people involved in radio, regardless of their experience levels. We host industry workshops, events, and fundraisers, bringing people together through a shared love for radio.

What specific awards has the radio station nominated for?

Tom: We have been nominated for three SRA Amplify Awards. Best Station Culture recognises our efforts in making Burn FM an inclusive space and thriving community. Best Fundraising Initiative acknowledges our well-known Burn Live event, which would not be possible without Morgan Cummins. Burn Live is a student music night that raises money for Cystic Fibrosis Research, while giving student artists an opportunity to perform locally. Finally, Moment of the Year highlights our Head of Tech, Bradley Cable’s contributions to the station, including developing a brand-new app and improving station technology.

Bradley: I was nominated by a member within Burn in recognition for my DJing at the Media Ball, a saxophone duet with Tom, and my general committee contributions. I’ve been with Burn FM for three years now, and this year alone, I launched an app, improved the website alongside Chris, and introduced a ‘graveyard shift’ to make Burn FM a 24/7 station. All of this didn’t happen before I joined Burn; I love this society, and I’ve always wanted to push forward and make it the best it can be.

 What sets Burn FM apart from other student stations?

Our sense of community and inclusivity. Burn FM has gone above and beyond in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, feels welcome and empowered to take the mic. We rebuilt the station from just six committee members; now we’ve managed to expand to a full committee of 23 members, ensuring Burn FM not only survived but thrived. We host events like Burn Ball and Burn Live and launched a Whatsapp community this year, creating a community beyond radio; we are not just a station but a place for people to connect. Our programming is diverse, showcasing a variety of perspectives, cultures, and genres, from multilingual shows to specialised Jazz, Funk, and Soul programmes (such as the What the Funk Wyksey show). This variety reflects the diverse interests of our members and listeners. At Burn, we strive to give back, so we have fundraising initiatives that highlight our commitment to using our platform for good and raising money for students. Burn FM isn’t just a radio station; it’s a family, and that’s what sets us apart.

What work went into being nominated?

Each nomination reflects months of dedication, team work, and passion from everyone at Burn FM. From running engaging socials, to hosting masterclasses with the likes of Heart’s Ed James, we’ve worked hard to recruit, support and create a diverse environment, making Burn FM the best it can be.

How does it feel to receive recognition for the work you and others have done for the station?

Tom: It is an absolutely incredible feeling. Burn FM is entirely student-run, and everything we’ve achieved is down to our members’ dedication and creativity. Being recognised on a national level is a testament to the amazing community we’ve built together. These nominations are not just about one person, it’s about every presenter, committee member, and volunteer. Regardless of the result on the night, we are proud of what we’ve built here.

Can you share any behind-the-scenes challenges or obstacles that the station has had to overcome to reach this point?

Rebuilding our committee, balancing accessibility with quality, and maintaining momentum while juggling coursework and personal commitments is certainly a challenge. However, having a passionate team makes all the difference. We support each other, and that’s why Burn FM has continued to thrive. Seeing what we’ve built makes every hurdle we’ve faced worth it.

Are there any goals or improvements you hope to achieve moving forward, inspired by the success of these nominations?

Well, it’s definitely been a huge source of motivation, and I want to build on this success to take Burn FM even further. We want to strengthen industry ties to provide more opportunities for our members, expanding live events and fundraising efforts, and increasing our presence on campus and beyond. We’d love to collaborate more with socieites and local businesses to create even more opportunities for students. Burn FM is already a huge part of student life, but I want to expand our reach even further.

Looking ahead, how would you like to see Burn FM grow?

I’d love to see Burn FM grow even further, with more live broadcasts, bigger collaborations with student media and stronger industry connections to help students break into media careers. Most of all though, I want Burn FM to continue to be a space people feel welcome, supported and inspired to create. We’ve built something really special this year and I can’t wait to see it grow even more in the future.

Any final comments, Tom?

These nominations have shown that Burn FM is on the right track, but I see them as just the beginning. We can do so much more, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow, improve, and make an even more significant impact.

This is just the beginning of the success of Burn FM, and we at Redbrick congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them luck in the future.

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