Radio alumnus Gabriel Green has winning Charles Parker Prize documentary broadcast on BBC Radio 4

The documentary, Palores: The Bird of Cornwall, was inspired by Choughs (Palores is the Cornish name for the bird). Green grew up around Cape Cornwall, which is where Choughs returned after they almost became extinct. The documentary is about what the bird means to people, their memories and associations, as well as what they mean to West Cornwall. 

Having his documentary broadcast on BBC Radio 4 was the reward for winning the Charles Parker Prize, which is a well-known competition in the radio industry. Green produced the documentary as part of his degree at the University of Westminster and a year later he decided to enter it for the award. Cathy Fitzgerald, a writer and producer who has made award-winning features for the BBC, was his mentor for getting the programme ready to air. 

Green started producing documentaries on Penwith Radio (now Coast FM) before he moved to London to study at the University of Westminster. He has been very successful since graduating. Last year, he presented on Radio 1’s Early Breakfast show in place of Adele Roberts.

Speaking about his work being broadcast, Green said: “It’s a huge honour because I've listened to Radio 4 all my life, so for my work to be deemed good enough is a real confidence booster. I've had lots of messages since the broadcast from people I don't know who were moved by the documentary, and the fact it was featured on 'Pick of the Week' was incredibly touching.

“To work with my mentor for this project, Cathy Fitzgerald, was also incredible as she was a real help and someone whose work I've always admired. I'd like to say a huge thank you to my former course leader, Matthew Linfoot, and my lecturer, Aasiya Lodhi, for their support and guidance during the original production process. I absolutely loved my time at Westminster, and I will always be grateful for their encouragement."

Listen to the full documentary on the BBC Sounds Website.