It's the radio station which started 15 years ago with a budget of just £100 and has gone on to win awards, save amenities and become a voice for the city.

Unique Awaaz FM's most recent achievements include plans to reopen and operate a defunct Southampton library and winning a prestigious media innovation business award. 

It launched in 2009 as an online station for Southampton after bosses deemed it necessary following community consultation. 

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The funds available didn't stretch very far and presenters started broadcasting on the FM dial in 2010 with a pattern of one month broadcasting then a three month break to secure further funds then back inside the DJ booth for another month. 

Ali Beg, the founder and driving force behind the station takes up the story: "We had a lack of money, but never gave up.

"By 2016 we were the first Asian ethnic community radio to broadcast in South Hampshire serving a population of over 1 million people. We came on FM full time in 2018 and have been going strong ever since.

"Today, we can boast that we are broadcasting on FM, on DAB, on Freeview TV and online and we have won more awards in our time than any other radio station in the area.

"We took the community with us and never forgot our roots. The station is only as successful as the people who have been tirelessly volunteering over the years and with dedication and determination helping many vulnerable people from all across the city in the process.

"We recognise local people, local traders and promote local stories. We train, support , empower and encourage people from marginalised communities. There is no other radio station such as Awaaz across the entire UK."

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Cobbett Road lending library in Bitterne Park, which was closed in 2020, is set for a new chapter under Awaaz FM as a dynamic community space. 

The station has also just been awarded the Media Innovator Award for 2023.

The prestigious programme celebrates and recognises outstanding achievement within the industry and businesses which have demonstrated exceptional innovation and excellence. 

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Other successes include promoting blood donation to ethnic communities and teaching Italian cooking on the radio with special guests Mario and Luigi and even Masterchef winner Shelina Permalloo.