Watford MP Dean Russell welcomed Ryan Thrussell from Vibe Radio to Number 10 Downing Street, having nominated him as a ‘Local Media Champion.’
The event was organised by Downing Street to promote the role and importance of local media within communities.
MPs from across the UK were invited to nominate a Local Media Champion and Dean proposed Ryan Thrussell, who is the General Manager of Vibe radio in South-West Hertfordshire. This is a local radio station that provides experience and training to aspiring broadcasters, producers, programmers and journalists. Ryan has introduced a training programme which has developed presenters that have progressed to commercial radio shows at Heart, Kiss and Capital and public service shows at BBC Radio.
Ryan said, "It was an amazing experience to attend Downing Street with Dean and meet the DCMS Secretary. It was great to with her about the positive work Vibe 107.6 does to train and develop talent into the radio & media industry. I hope the Government continue to support local media in a challenging time."
Following the reception Dean said “It was wonderful to meet so many Local Media Champions from across the United Kingdom from many different corners of the world of media, and it was a pleasure to give them the opportunity to enter the famous door on Downing St.
I was one of the original founders of the student radio station Demon FM now (Demon Media) at De Montfort University in 1995 and have had a passion for local radio ever since.”
