DAB 'Rising Star' Award
Winner: Luke Franks
Winner!

Luke Franks

Fun Kids DAB – The Club (weekdays 4pm-7pm), The Treehouse (Saturday 4pm-7pm, Sunday 10am-12pm)

Fun Kids DAB Play

The Winner

The judges felt that Luke was completely "on target" with his demo. Knowing exactly who he was communicating with, Luke connected with his youthful audience providing information without appearing patronizing; in fact quite the opposite, his light, entertaining, and engaging delivery made Fun Kids radio a brilliant listen for adults and children alike.

22 year-old Luke joined Fun as a volunteer presenter on a weekly magazine programme - The Treehouse. He threw himself into the role, leading the team and giving the show brilliant energy. He made such a good impression that when the drivetime presenter left, Luke took over the show and became a permanent part of the team. His show, The Club, is targeted at 7-to-10 year olds and its Luke's job to act as the listeners' older brother. He knows a bit more about things, but is still asking questions and finding out things on the listeners' behalf. It's a tough balance to achieve this whilst not talking down to the audience and being able to deliver commercial campaigns in an accessible way. Luke isn't just a great presenter, he's shown real commitment to the station, taking part in activities and giving up time to make his show sound better. He's spent a day at the Zoo interviewing the keepers, he's learned to dance like a robot at Pineapple Dance Studios and even had time to interview the Muppets as well.

Luke also hosts much of Fun Kids' video content, his interviews with the cast of Johnny English have had over 500,000 downloads.

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Runners Up

Phil Taggart - BBC Introducing in Northern lreland, Radio 1, Midnight - 2am, Monday nights

Frank McWeeny - French Toast, French Radio London, Tuesdays at 11pm

Nisha Stevens and Amber Butchart (The Broken Hearts) - Peppermint Candy, Jazz FM, Thursdays 6pm-7pm

Clara Amfo - Saturday Breakfast show, Kiss FM, 6am-10am

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Sony DAB 'Rising Star' Award was launched in 2008 to reward up and coming radio stars of the future. Open to those who have been broadcasting on radio for no longer than 18 months, this year's winner will be announced on Monday May 14th 2012 at the Sony Radio Academy Awards ceremony. As the only people's choice award, this category offers listeners the opportunity to have their say and reward their favourite new DJs.

A record 56 eligible broadcasters submitted their entries that were reviewed by a respected panel of judges, including, who drew up a shortlist of nominees.

The winner is chosen by listeners who vote online to have their say. Last year's winner was Robbie Savage and this year's finalists again include a selection of well known names who have recently taken to the airwaves, as well as some exciting newcomers.

VOTE FOR THE RISING STARS OF RADIO AND WIN SONY GOODIES!

To celebrate the fifth year of this award we are offering you the chance to win a selection of top Sony goodies!

The lucky winner will get their hands on some exciting products, including a KDL-40HX853 LCD Television, a Tablet S, MDR-V55 headphones and a RDP-M15ip travel dock.

If you want to support the Rising Stars of Radio and be in with the chance of winning a selection of Sony kit, get your vote in now! (Voting is restricted to one vote per person)

For more information on Sony products, please click here

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