Pure Celebrates 25 Years with a New Grant to Support Future Radio Creators

This World Radio Day marks a major milestone for Pure as we celebrate 25 years of audio innovation, and we’re honouring the occasion by investing in the future of broadcasting. Today, Pure is proud to announce the launch of the Pure Student Radio Grant, created in partnership with the Student Radio Association to support the next generation of UK radio talent.

For a quarter of a century, Pure has been at the heart of radio listening in the UK. In 2026, as streaming and digital content continue to evolve, our mission remains the same: keep great sound simple, joyful, and accessible to everyone. And that includes supporting the students who will shape the future of radio for the nation.

Celebrity Support for the Future of Student Radio

Launched on World Radio Day (13 February) by BBC Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson, the Pure Student Radio Grant aims to help student stations overcome financial challenges from rising equipment costs to limited operational budgets.

Anderson, who began his career as a presenter in student radio, highlighted the importance of this support:

“I owe so much to my time in student radio… these stations are full of passion, ideas and brilliant young talent, but they often operate on tiny budgets. This support will make a real difference.”

For countless broadcasters, student radio is where everything begins – a space to experiment, to fail bravely, to learn the craft of storytelling and live broadcasting. Pure’s grant will ensure those opportunities remain open for the broadcasters of tomorrow.

Radio Still Matters: New Research Shows Its Emotional Power

Looking back on 25 years of modern radio history, Pure commissioned a nationwide survey exploring how much radio still means to Britons. And the findings prove what we’ve always believed: radio remains one of the most powerful, emotional and human media experiences.

Key findings from the survey:

From morning routines to long drives, cooking sessions or quiet evenings, the radio remains a comforting constant – a companion, a news source, and a soundtrack to daily life.

The Most Powerful Radio Moments of the Past 25 Years

Our research uncovered the radio moments that shaped the nation – moments of shock, unity, grief, and celebration.

Top moments include:

From historic crises to sporting triumphs, radio has been the medium that carried the nation through every emotion.

Celebrating Radio Icons: The Greatest DJs of the Last 25 Years

Radio is nothing without its presenters – the trusted voices who bring warmth, humour and connection into our homes.

According to the survey, Sir Terry Wogan is the greatest radio DJ of the past 25 years, followed by:

For female presenters, Sara Cox, Zoe Ball, and Amanda Holden top the list.

These broadcasters have shaped decades of radio culture – and they all began somewhere. Many, in fact, started in student radio.

Pure’s Commitment to the Next 25 Years of Radio.

Why Pure is supporting student broadcasters? Hubert Eiter of Pure explains:

“As we mark Pure’s 25th anniversary, with this grant, we are investing in the next generation of broadcasters. Student radio is often the first step to go On Air, yet rising student costs are putting that opportunity at risk. With creativity soaring and budgets shrinking, our aim is simple: keep student radio alive, thriving, and accessible.

Because the next great broadcaster – the next Terry Wogan, the next Sara Cox, the next icon – might be sitting in a student studio this very moment. And we want to help them be heard.”

Stay tuned for more details about the Pure Student Radio Grant, and how student stations can apply for it.

Here’s to 25 years of Pure sound – and to all the voices still to come.