Dame Judi Dench, Matt Hancock, Rishi Sunak amongst those saying ‘thank you’ to radio
Listeners from around the UK have thanked radio for helping them through the pandemic
Last updated 24th May 2022
It's nearly twelve months since the first UK lockdown and people from around the country have thanked radio for helping them deal with the pandemic over the past year.
People joined Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Dame Judi Dench and Health Secretary Matt Hancock in the #ThankYouRadio campaign, launched today by Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio.
You can watch what they've said below:
Over the last year people say they have turned to radio for company during the isolation of working from home in lockdown, listened to radio to stay connected with the outside world and to boost their mood.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “I’m not alone in my love for radio, in a year where many of us have been physically separated from our family and friends, radio has been more important than ever. Thank you to everyone in the industry who has provided an amazing source of entertainment, news and encouragement.”
Dame Judi Dench said: “I do thank everyone for the spirit of radio, everyone is so upbeat and it makes me laugh. Thank you so much to radio for all you do for us, keep it going.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Radio through the pandemic has been so important, keeping people informed and entertained.”
Andy Carter MP – Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Commercial Radio said:
“Just coming back from my daily lockdown walk, the radio on in my ears listening to the lunchtime news. And it’s the radio that’s kept us going through what’s been an incredibly difficult time so to everybody around the United Kingdom that’s been working in commercial radio that’s done a tremendous job to keep our sprits up, keep us entertained and informed. Thank you for the work you’ve been doing.”
Along with famous figures and politicians, members of the public including Anjana in Leamington Spa, Bethan Lloyd Jones in Llangynhafal and Lex Thomasson in Bolton all said thank you to radio for the important role it has played over the past year.
Other people sending in messages included Saleh Saeed, CEO of the Disasters Emergency Committee, John Whittingdale, the Minister for Media & Data and Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, who said: “The unique thing about radio is the way it keeps you company…you really feel you’re in the room with the presenter.”
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