00:04Ali Begg of Awas Radio.
00:08Ali established the station in 2009, inspired by his late mother
00:13and determined to create a radio service where everyone in the local community felt welcomed and represented.
00:20Despite having no previous radio experience, Ali has kept the station thriving through his dedication and commitment.
00:28Awas Radio has built relationships with more than 200 voluntary community and public service organisations
00:37providing a vital platform for ethnic minority communities and influencing conversations around local democracy, health and public services.
00:49But perhaps Ali's greatest achievement is the way he supports people.
00:54He makes time for his volunteers, cares about their well-being and goes above and beyond to help others.
01:01His compassion has even helped reunite families separated for decades.
01:06With numerous awards recognising his contribution, Ali is a wonderful example of what community radio can achieve
01:14when it is built on genuine care for people.
01:18Ali's story reminds us that community radio is ultimately about people
01:22and the difference we can make when we care for one another.
01:35Thank you. I generally don't know what to say if I wasn't prepared for this.
01:40I started the radio after I finished my degree at university, came back to Southampton and found there was a
01:49huge gap with the ethnic minorities.
01:52And then I went into another radio station and they threw me out, basically.
01:59And mum said to me, start your own.
02:02So I did.
02:04And then people said, you won't last a month.
02:08And after a month, they said, you won't last a year.
02:10And now 20 years on, we're still here.
02:13So big up to Awaz.
