Finalists for 2018 Liberty Radio Awards announced

© Liberty Radio Awards Facebook.

“The total audio of the entries, if played continuously, would amount to more than one week of non-stop listening,” says Lance Rothschild, CEO of the Liberty Radio Awards. “We are really grateful to the panel of adjudicators who gave their time and expertise freely towards this process of determining who is making the best radio in South Africa.

"I am confident that the results emanating from the adjudication process will show that the best of the entries rose to the top in each of the categories. It is my fervent hope that these awards continue to motivate and inspire the radio industry to continue raising the bar, setting ever higher standards that will keep listeners fulfilled through compelling programming. This, in turn, will secure the future of radio as a vital source of entertainment, education and information for years to come.”

Amongst the very positive feedback from members of the panel, was the following:
“Thanks for the opportunity. Judging Liberty Radio awards is a great honour, knowing the fact that these awards are well-recognised throughout the country.”

Best-of-the-best

“We wish to congratulate all the category finalists,” says Rothschild. “Achieving finalist status earmarks you amongst the best-of-the-best. We’re grateful to all those who submitted entries into this year’s program and we encourage those who didn’t make it to finalist status to strive to raise the standard of radio to ensure a bright future for the industry.”

Killy Bacela, divisional director of group brand and marketing at Liberty, says: “We congratulate the finalists and look forward to celebrating those who strive to make compelling radio; those who keep knowledge at close reach and those who continue to elevate the standards on what real, credible news and stories should be. Through our commitment to the Liberty Radio Awards, we hope to meaningfully contribute to the progression of the industry by applauding and rewarding those who continue to raise the bar through storytelling and entertainment.”

Station of the Year finalists, Bright Stars and Hall of Fame inductees

Following the announcement of the finalists in the various categories of the 2018 Liberty Radio Awards, the finalists for the coveted Station of the Year title have now been selected and the final adjudication to determine the Station of the Year is now in progress. In addition, the inductees for the Bright Star and Hall of Fame have also been announced.

“The announcement of the category finalists has met with a fantastically positive response,” says Rothschild. “The adjudication panel who select the winning stations of the year are going to have their work cut out for them, particularly considering the overall standard of the entries for this year’s awards. It will be very exciting to see who the panel determines as the station that continues to raise the bar in terms of compelling content quality. After all, the Station of the Year title gives the winning station- and all who work there- bragging rights for the next year.”

Bacela says: “The Station of the Year is indeed the Grand Prix of the Liberty Radio Awards and we look forward to revealing the winning station and celebrating with the industry on 14 April. Acknowledging excellence and recognising the commitment it takes to not only be the best but to create a legacy for the future is one of the core values of Liberty. We congratulate the finalists, who can be secure in the knowledge that they are being recognised for their dedication and their passion for storytelling and entertainment.”

The Station of the Year finalists

Campus
MFM 92.6
Puk FM 93.6
Tuks FM 107.2
UCT FM
Vow FM

Community
Alex FM
Groot FM 90.5
Hot 91.9
Mix 93.8FM
Radio Islam
Radio Pulpit

Commercial
Algoa FM
East Coast Radio
Jacaranda FM
Kaya FM
Metro FM
OFM
Power 98.7

The Bright Star Award

The Bright Star Award goes to candidates 35 years or younger – either on-air, or behind-the-scenes, who is making his/her mark in the industry. The award is aimed at recognising a person who has an intrinsic understanding and love for radio, respects its past and also has great ideas for its future.

This year, the Liberty Radio Awards Bright Stars are:

• Aganang FM: Nthabiseng Motlhodi
• ECR: Jason McCall
• ECR: Simon Carter
• Gagasi FM: Langalethu Cele
• KFM: Carl Wastie
• Magic 828 AM: Byron McDonald
• OFM: Lerato Lelia
• Tru FM: Simamkele Mguga
• Tuks FM: Quintus Potgieter
• Tuks FM: Layla Welch
• Umhlobo Wenene FM: Zukiswa Mqumbisa

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame recognises persons who have been in the industry for over 15 years, who are either still in the business, or who have retired. The inductees need to have made an indelible mark in the industry and who will leave a positive legacy – either on air, or in management. Ideally this is someone who is revered and talked about fondly by the industry as a strong inspiration and mentor.

This year the Liberty Radio Awards Hall of Fame inducts the following:

• Dave Tiltmann
• Dudu "Lady D" Khoza
• Haider Ali Dhorat
• Kevin Savage
• Lloyd Madurai
• Mel Gahler
• Phumzile Mnci
• Thuso Motaung
• Wilson B Nkosi
• Zweli Nokhatywa

Congratulations to all the finalists, the winners will be announced and celebrated at the Sandton Convention Centre on Saturday, 14 April 2018.

Here is a comprehensive list of the finalists in order of category, and sorted in alphabetical order by station name:

Finalists

Afternoon Drive Presenter

Afternoon Drive Presenter – Campus

Afternoon Drive Presenter – Community

Afternoon Drive Presenter – Commercial

Afternoon Drive Show

Afternoon Drive Show – Campus

Afternoon Drive Show – Community

Afternoon Drive Show – Commercial

Breakfast Presenter

Breakfast Presenter – Campus

Breakfast Presenter – Community

Breakfast Presenter – Commercial

Breakfast Show

Breakfast Show – Campus

Breakfast Show – Community

Breakfast Show – Commercial

Business and Finance Show

Business and Finance Show

Community Project

Community Project – Campus, Community Combined

Community Project – Commercial

Content Producer

Content Producer – Campus Community Combined

Content Producer – Commercial

Daytime Show

Daytime Show – Campus

Daytime Show – Community

Daytime Show – Commercial

Documentary

Documentary

Drama Programme

Drama Programme

Field News Reporter

Field News Reporter

Internet/Online Radio Show

Internet/Online Radio Show

Multi-Channel Promotion

Multi-Channel Promotion

Music Show

Music Show – Campus

Music Show – Community

Music Show – Commercial

News and Actuality Show

News and Actuality Show – Campus, Community Combined

News and Actuality Show – Commercial

News Bulletin Reader

News Bulletin Reader – Campus

News Bulletin Reader – Community

News Bulletin Reader – Commercial

Night Time Show

Night Time Show – Campus

Night time show – Community

Night Time Show – Commercial

Podcast

Podcast

Promotions Stunt/Event

Promotions Stunt/Event – Campus, Community Combined

Promotions Stunt/Event – Commercial

Radio Innovation

Radio Innovation

Sports Presenter

Sports Presenter

Sports Show

Sports Show – Campus, Community Combined

Sports Show – Commercial

Station Imaging

Station Imaging – Campus, Community Combined

Station Imaging – Commercial

Traffic Presenter

Traffic Presenter

Weekend Radio Show

Weekend Radio Show – Campus

Weekend Radio Show – Community

Weekend Radio Show – Commercial