New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards announced the 2014 Finalists for The World's Best Radio Programs. The Grand Jury panel selected 260 entries submitted from 32 countries. All Finalists proceed to the medal round to determine Gold, Silver, and Bronze trophies.
World-wide since 1982, NYF's International Radio Program competition honours the most innovative work in radio broadcasting, receiving entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from around the globe.
RTÉ Networks Ireland led this year's competition with 23 Finalists, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation saw 21 entries move forward, followed by TBI Media United Kingdom with 17 Finalists. To view the 2014 Radio Finalists click here.
The focus was on Coverage of Breaking News and Ongoing News entries for their comprehensive coverage of world events. Finalists include: Egyptian Clashes Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc USA; Boston Marathon Bombing Coverage WGBH USA; DZMM Typhoon Haiyan Special Coverage ABS-CBN Corporation Philippines; The Death Of Nelson Mandela BBC World Service United Kingdom; Ethnic Conflict Erupts with Eve of Eid Crackdown: Tragedy at Aykol Radio Free Asia USA; Life & Death on the Streets Clare FM Ireland; and Police Obtain Rob Ford Crack Video News talk 1010 Radio Canada.
The newly launched Sound Art category Finalists include: CANTUS APIUM (Song of the Bees) - 7 variations after Vergil for voice and 15 bee-colonies Götz Naleppa Audio Productions Germany; Call of the Dark RTE Radio 1 Ireland; Kya Woh Sach Thha - India's first ever radio horror show inspired by true incidents Fever 104 FM India; Midsummer Night's Dream in Tunnel Dubovica on Island of Hvar Radio Belgrade Yugoslavia; and Rob da Bank's Headphone Special We Are Grape Ltd. United Kingdom.
Additional new categories in the spotlight include Travel and Tourism, entries moving forward: New Orleans: The City That Care Forgot Accessible Media Inc. Canada; Inside Outside Battery Battery Radio Canada; The Unbearable 100 Millions for Hong Kong Radio Television Hong Kong; and This Is America Steve Ember, VOA USA. Best Nonfiction Series category Finalists include: Rethinking Depression, Ideas along with Project Money, The Current, both created by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and Teenage Diaries Revisited Radio Diaries USA. Best Student Journalist Finalist was Boston Strong: The Medical Student Perspective Radio Rounds USA.
"New categories contributed to the growth of the competition, but even more importantly, the increase in entries shows that what we're doing resonates with the international radio community as evidenced by the 37% increase in entries from 2012 to 2014," said Rose Anderson, Executive Director, NYF International Radio Program Awards. "The fact that NYF's Grand Jury members come from every continent means we have a 360 degree perspective and the excellence they have achieved for their own work means that every entry is listened to with respect."
New York Festivals, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Public Information, established the United Nations Awards in 1990 to honour programs highlighting global concerns of interest to the UN. Each year, the United Nations Department of Public Information convenes a panel to review nominated Finalists for the United Nations Department of Public Information Award. This coveted award honours radio broadcasting that best exemplifies the ideas and goals of the United Nations.
NYF enlists jurists from all over the world to become The Grand Jury members. These men and women include some of the most recognisable voices and captivating programming producers in the industry. Entries are judged on production values, organisation, presentation of information, creativity, and use of the medium.
The 2014 competition will honour the World's Best Radio Programs on Monday, June 23rd at the annual awards gala taking place at Manhattan Penthouse in New York City. To purchase tickets for the 2014 gala click here.
