Richard Edoki Named Finalist for 2026 Community Radio Awards

Nigerian-born broadcaster Richard Edoki has been named a finalist for the 2026 Community Radio Awards in the UK, in recognition of his work bringing different communities together in Cornwall.

Edoki, a volunteer broadcaster at CHBN Radio, a community and hospital radio station based in Cornwall, engages listeners with programmes that explore cultural topics, community issues and the experiences of people from different backgrounds.

His latest recognition comes as the Community Radio Awards celebrate their 10th anniversary. The event honours broadcasters, volunteers, producers and stations across the United Kingdom.

The finalists were announced ahead of the national awards ceremony on October 24, which will take place after the National Community Radio Conference hosted by the UK Community Radio Network.

Edoki was recently honoured by the Devon and Cornwall Police Positive Action Team during its annual celebration of community leaders, volunteers, ambassadors and partner organisations. He was recognised for using broadcasting and community storytelling to bridge cultural divides and foster greater understanding.

African Vibe With RichyBongo

Much of that work happens through his programme, African Vibe With RichyBongo, on CHBN Radio.

“Being named as a finalist is a significant achievement.”

The programme introduces Cornish audiences to African music, culture and stories, while giving people from the African diaspora a platform to share their experiences. It also exposes wider audiences to stories and perspectives not commonly found in mainstream local media.

For Edoki, the programme is a way of creating conversations between African communities and the wider Cornish population.

His work embodies one of the fundamental roles of community radio: giving people the opportunity to share their own stories and creating a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard.

A Milestone Year for Community Radio

Commenting on the 10th anniversary of the Community Radio Awards, chair Rebecca Steers said the milestone was an opportunity to recognise the people behind community radio across the UK.

“As we celebrate the tenth year of the Community Radio Awards, it is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the people and stations that make community radio such a powerful force for good across the UK.

“Being named as a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, creativity and passion that volunteers, presenters and teams bring to serving their communities. We are proud to celebrate their success and look forward to welcoming the sector together for this special anniversary year,” she said.

The awards ceremony will bring together broadcasters, volunteers, producers, station managers and supporters from across the country. The winners will be announced on October 24 following the National Community Radio Conference.