A record number of over 2 000 entries were received in the South African Radio Awards, which took place online for the first time in its 10 year existence, on 17 April.
More than 160 stations participated in the radio awards, including Stellenbosch-based radio station MFM 92.6. All stations competed for one of more than 80 awards. This is according to Taryn Westoby, head of Arena Events, the organisers of the radio awards.
“The radio awards are undoubtedly the most prestigious recognition event for the South African radio industry, rewarding excellence in audio broadcasting,” said Westoby.
The MFM 92.6 breakfast presenter of 2019, Nicholas Archibald, won his first radio award for the best campus breakfast presenter and did not mind receiving the award online, he said.
It was one of the best feelings to win a radio award, according to Archibald. “[It is] certainly one of the biggest points in my career so far,” he said.
“[I]n terms of being rewarded for loving people, wanting to entertain people and trying to make people happy… it was massive, whether it was sitting at home or sitting at an awards ceremony,” said Archibald.
Nicholas Archibald celebrates his last day at MFM in 2019. PHOTO: Franna Lombard
The annual awards goes online
The annual awards are usually celebrated with a gala dinner, but the Covid-19 lockdown left Arena Events with a challenge, said Westoby.
“[It] motivated us to put on the best online event we possibly could, because the South African radio industry really deserves something to celebrate,” Westoby said.
Radio plays an important role in the lives of millions of South Africans, said Westoby.
“By recognising producers, presenters, and radio stations that value the truth and strive to be the best, the radio awards are not only saying a big thanks to the radio industry, but they’re also motivating everyone to constantly raise the bar,” he said.
The South African Radio Awards seeks to award outstanding radio shows and presenters, and this year was no different, said Lwazi Mpofu, one of the judges for the radio awards.
“I believe the awards should always serve as motivation for stations to work and push themselves to do well,” Mpofu said.
This quote was taken from The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies media statement about the Radio Awards. GRAPHIC: Wilné van Rooyen
Radio presenters and stations need to make sure that they set out to win every time they practice their craft, irrespective of awards, said Tim Zunckel, an independent media consultant.
– Wilné van Rooyen