Salford students win international acclaim for student radio efforts

Shock Radio, one of the University’s radio networks, has been named Station of the Year in the International Student Broadcasting Championship.

Radio hosts Alfie Mulcahy and Dan Walters, both BA Journalism (Broadcast) students, were also crowned Best On Air Team for 2025.

The win makes it the third successive year of success for Shock and the University at the global competition as BA Television and Radio Production graduates and former Shock Radio hosts Matt Hallsworth and Issy Brand claimed the same award in 2024 and 2023.

The competition is open to students from around the world and is judged by leading industry and educational professionals who are passionate about student broadcasting.

Alfie, who was also joint winner of the Best Content/Program Director Award and runner-up for the Best News Broadcaster Award, is the Treasurer and Head of Events and Marketing at Shock.

He said: “We are over the moon to have been awarded Station of the Year at the International Student Broadcasting Championship.

“Over the last year we have rebranded the station and refurbished both of our studios for the first time in a decade.

“I believe we are ahead of the curve in student media with making our content accessible on Radio, TV and socials - something I'm so glad has been recognised on an international stage.

“The whole team has worked so hard and I'm so pleased their hard work has paid off.”

Last year was the station’s must successful year on record as they recorded a 30% increase in listenership and 80% increase in viewership.

On his personal wins, Alfie added: “I am honoured to have been recognised for my work last year as the Network Manager in the Best Content/Programme Director category. It’s a role I absolutely loved – and I believe I made a real difference to the station over the 14 months I was in charge.

“It was great to see the Drivetime show I have had the pleasure of presenting with Dan Walters get recognised in the Best On Air Team category – it was always a joy to present alongside a great mate.”

Dan added: “With how far Shock has come over the year and how much its changed, being recognised for it and being able to take this award as a team is something really special”.

“We entered but had no idea we were going to win.  We wanted to be ourselves and just have a laugh because that’s what student media is all about.”

Dan and Alfie first began their Drivetime show together in October 2024 in their second year at Salford and have since started their own individual shows on the network.