Charles Parker Day 2019 announcement

100 years ago, on 5th April 1919, one of Radio’s greatest innovators and pioneers was born in Bournemouth. His name was Charles Parker.

A century on and Charles Parker is celebrated not only for his work but also for his legacy to broadcasting art, to song, to the interests of working men and women and to left-politics.

And this year the annual conference named after him is returning – on the exact centenary of his birth – to his home town, at the university of Bournemouth.

To mark the milestone, alongside a rich programme of speakers, music and song both looking back at Charles’s huge achievements and highlighting the way today’s pioneers are carrying on his work, we’re announcing a very special edition of the annual Charles Parker Award.

In honour of Charles’s ground-breaking programmes, and notably his famous Radio Ballads, the prize is awarded each year to the best audio feature productions by student programme-makers across the UK.

We’re delighted and honoured to announce that, this year, beside the coveted Gold Award, the leading five programmes submitted in competition will all receive a broadcast premiere, on BBC Radio 4. Joining the panel of judges and presenting the Award to the winners will be BBC Radio 4 Commissioning Editor, Mohit Bakaya.

Charles Parker Day 2019 promises to be a rich festival of music, voices and art, a milestone for the Charles Parker Trust, and a mustn’t-miss occasion for all who love powerful, passionate and beautiful radio…