The shortlists for the HBA Awards – the “Oscars” of hospital radio – have just been announced. And VRN has received more shortlisted places than any other station in the UK.

The Hospital Broadcasting Association is the umbrella organisation for hospital radio station in the UK, and currently have over 200 member stations.

The actual awards take place at the end of March, and are being held in Glasgow this year. The HBA hold their conference over the whole weekend, with the awards ceremony being held on the evening of Saturday 27th March.

VRN has been shortlisted in the following categories….

• Station of the Year
• Special Event
• Best Specialist Music
• John Murray – Male Presenter
• Alex Airnes – Male Presenter
• Shaun Brennan – Best Newcomer

In most cases, entries involved a 5-15 minute compilation of material that was broadcast in 2009. Some categories are for individuals, while others are for the station itself.

VRN has an excellent record in the HBA Awards – so a large group from the station will be making the short trek across the west coast to see if we can repeat the success of previous years.