7:20am Monday 23rd April 2012
By James Podesta
A FORMER RGS pupil has been nominated for a prestigious radio award and is up against presenters from Kiss and Radio 1.
Luke Franks, 23, who lives in Marlow Bottom, presents a show on children’s radio station Fun Kids and has been recognised in the DAB Rising Star Category at the Sony Radio Academy Awards.
He said: "I’m absolutely stunned that with six months on the air I’ve been nominated- I’m now just trying to balance a great show with getting people to vote for me."
Luke’s show, "The Club", which is targeted towards 7 to 10 year olds, impressed judges which included Radio 1’s Scott Mills and Smooth FM’s Emma B.
They said: "His light, entertaining and engaging delivery made Fun Kids radio a brilliant listen for adults and children alike."
Matt Deegan, who is Station Manager for Fun Kids, is thrilled with Luke’s success.
He said: "Luke’s been a great addition to Fun Kids and we’re so glad his creativity has been recognised at a national level."
Luke first got involved with radio when he was 16, presenting a show at Blink FM, a community radio station.
He then got involved with student radio while at Cardiff University, where he became Station Manager.
While he was in charge the station was nominated for 6 Student Radio Awards.
Fun Kids attracts 185,000 listeners in London every week and is recognised as the country’s pre-eminent kids radio station.
Luke said: "The show gives me the chance to be silly. I’ve interviewed the muppets. You can ask quite serious people some silly questions.
"A seven-year-old kid just wants to play games so you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously, but at the same time you need to be professional, because kids can get bored quickly and are not afraid to tell you."
Luke, who has recently started doing some TV presenting for Tinypop TV, hopes to stay at Fun Kids for the foreseeable future but admits he would love to one day present a show on Radio 1.
He said: "One day I would love to present an entertainment show on Radio 1 or T4."
Luke is up against some very tough competition, including BBC Radio 1’s Gerry Taggart, and would love local support.
He said: "I’m up against some big competition but it's definitely achievable. I just need every vote possible"
You can vote for Luke at http://risingstar.sony.co.uk
Click on the link to the right to get to the website.
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