Diss radio station awarded for services during pandemic

Park Radio has been recognised as a community hero by South Norfolk Council for its broadcasting during the coronavirus crisis.

Last week, the station’s founder, Chris Moyse, accepted a Covid-19 Community Champions Award, which has been given out to local businesses and organisations that have provided invaluable help and support to the community during the pandemic.

Mr Moyse, who also presents a morning show on the station, said the award highlighted how community radio was a crucial asset during times of crisis.

“We didn’t decide to keep going through the pandemic to win an award – we did it because, when it comes to emergencies like this, radio comes into its own,” said Mr Moyse, who founded the station 10 years ago alongside fellow broadcaster John Cross.

“South Norfolk Council didn’t launch the awards until well into the pandemic and, when they were open for nominations, we clearly had a few listeners and advertisers who thought we were doing a good job.”

South Norfolk Council praised the station, which has over 40 people working there, both voluntarily and professionally.

A spokesman for the council said: “We gave them the award for all of the brilliant work they were doing to keep the people of Diss and Harleston informed – they were broadcasting important numbers and websites, and where people who were in need of help could go.”

The team at the station, which operates out of Diss Youth and Community Centre in Shelfanger Road, were presented with a certificate and a badge.