UNIVERSITY students who told the story of five Britons who opened their doors to Ukrainians soon after Russia’s invasion have won a top industry award. 

Audio documentary The Hosts has been awarded a gold award for news, journalism, and factual storytelling at the 2023 Community Radio Awards. 

Produced over 10 months by BU staff and students Affiong Bassey, Charlotte Albutt, Aman Singh Gandhi, and Delya Apsari, the documentary was aired on Hope FM on the war’s first anniversary in February this year. 

It collates stories of Kelly, Owen, Carol, Judy, and Helen who took in Ukrainian refugees in the wake of the war. 

It delves into the hosts' motivations, exploring what compelled them to welcome strangers into their homes. 

Judges praised it for its “passion, emotion and verve” as well as “excellent storytelling with beautiful special effects and sublime editing”. 

Presenter and lead reporter Affiong Bassey said: “The many months of interviewing and re-interviewing that it took us to put this production together would not have happened but for the patience of the hosts and the refugees, and also the experts.” 

Jason Hallett, executive producer, added: “It is the story of the remarkable resilience and compassion of ordinary people facing an extraordinary situation.”