Two UWL Media and Communications students have been recognised on a national stage, after being shortlisted for the Charles Parker Prize 2026 – with student Kyra Edwards named as one of this year’s winners.
Kyra and fellow student Ruby Bridges Spackman were selected as two of just ten nominees for the prestigious award, which celebrates the very best in student audio storytelling across the UK.
A national stage for emerging talent
The Charles Parker Prize is a highly regarded annual award that recognising outstanding student radio features. Named after pioneering radio documentary maker Charles Parker, the prize celebrates original storytelling that brings real voices and experiences to life.
This year’s nominees gathered recently at the Charles Parker Prize Day, hosted at the University of Salford’s MediaCity campus. Senior Lecturer in Radio & Sound Design Suzi Bowerman accompanied second-year students, alongside the two nominees. The visit was co-funded by UWL’s London School of Film, Media and Design (LSFMD) and the Students’ Union.
Bold stories that matter
Both nominees were recognised for audio documentaries produced as part of their Audio Documentary module, led by Suzi Bowerman, which challenges students to respond to a real industry commissioning brief. The nominees’ programmes will feature, in part, during a special programme on BBC 4Xtra, hosted by the 2025 winner, Shadé Joseph and Charles Parker’s daughter, Sara Parker.
Kyra’s winning piece, PROUD, explores the deeply personal journey of coming out, examining the intersection of family, religion and cultural expectations, and the process of finding acceptance and self-understanding.
Ruby’s nominated feature, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, tells the powerful story of a young woman who survived domestic abuse, capturing her courage in leaving an unsafe relationship and seeking support to rebuild her life.
From classroom to BBC broadcast
As one of five winners, Kyra will now see her documentary reach a national audience. PROUD is set to air on BBC Radio 4’s New Storytellers between 27-31 July, following further professional development.
As part of her prize, Kyra will collaborate with a senior producer and sound designer to refine her piece to broadcast standard – an invaluable career opportunity.
A legacy of success
In 2019, UWL student Sian Medford won the Gold Award Charles Parker Prize and has since gone on to a successful career with BBC Asian Network, where she now produces the daily drivetime show and supports emerging presenters.
Suzi Bowerman praised Kyra’s work:
“Kyra’s programme is testament to the power of audio storytelling. It has brought completion and healing to her family. It has a particularly unexpected narrative – it’s certainly not the average ‘coming out’ story. The judges and commissioning editor at Radio 4, Hugh Levinson, were especially impressed by the vulnerability of the piece, along with the beautiful production and the way the story unfolded. A gripping listen.”
Kyra said:
“I put a lot into this project so it feels good to see it recognised like this. Big thank you to everyone who supported me through it, especially my contributors, and tutor Suzi at UWL. Also huge shoutout to Ruby for being nominated too. I’m so proud to share the moment with you.”
Ruby said:
“To have my work recognised at this level means a lot, and I’m really grateful for the support and encouragement that helped me get here.”
Head of LSFMD Paul Lohneis said:
“On behalf of everyone in the School, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Kyra on this outstanding achievement. Winning the Charles Parker Audio Documentary Prize is a remarkable recognition of her talent, creativity and commitment to her craft. Throughout her studies, Kyra has demonstrated the qualities that distinguish exceptional storytellers: intellectual curiosity, resilience, professionalism and a determination to keep refining her work until it reaches the highest possible standard.
“What makes this success particularly gratifying is that it reflects not only Kyra’s individual accomplishment, but also the strength of the audio documentary culture that has been built within our courses over a number of years. Our students and staff share a commitment to excellence in audio storytelling, and the fact that our graduates have now won this prestigious award on multiple occasions speaks to the quality of that work and the dedication that underpins it.
“The Charles Parker Prize represents the very best in factual audio production, and for Kyra to join the distinguished list of previous winners is a tremendous achievement. We are immensely proud of her and look forward to following what promises to be an exciting and successful career.”
