Rhianna Patel, Station Manager of Fuse FM, has been awarded second place in the “Students Supporting Other Students” category at the University of Manchester’s Volunteer of the Year Awards, recognising her remarkable impact across the student radio and wider University community. 

Since taking on the role of Station Manager in September, Rhianna has overseen the running of the student radio station, managing a 28-person committee and coordinating over 150 students across Fuse FM’s diverse sections, including podcasting, music, DJing, and talk. She’s responsible for scheduling 83 radio shows and 22 podcasts weekly, with participation set to grow in the coming semester. 

Under her leadership, Fuse FM has expanded its focus on news and sports coverage, including live broadcasts of events such as the University’s Senior Leadership Team football match and the Reclaim the Night protest.  

Rhianna has helped organise DJs for events at Freshers’ Fair and the student bar, Squirrels, and played a leading role in Alive! Fest.  Her passion for skill-sharing and industry engagement has seen her co-lead a panel event with media professionals and take part in the Women in Media Conference’s radio panel. But her real standout work is in community building. She organised Fuse FM’s involvement in a Hulme redevelopment campaign, co-hosting a ‘Picnics and Pickets’ event alongside Manchester Student Renters’ Union and Greater Manchester Tenants’ Union. 

Rhianna also led Transfusion 2.0, a sold-out club night raising over £800 for trans support services in Manchester and hosted a two-hour charity broadcast that drew over 10,000 online viewers. 

All this while continuing to produce and host her own show, Pass the Aux, which was shortlisted for two awards at last year’s Fuse FM Awards. Her commitment to fostering community, supporting students and championing student media has rightly earned her this well-deserved recognition. 

“This wasn’t an individual effort,” said Rhianna. “None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and dedication of the entire Fuse FM team and the Greater Manchester Tenants’ Union. Student mobilisation only works when it’s rooted in community – and I’m proud to have worked alongside others who are committed to making a difference.” 

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