Michael Jackson Day was a day totally dedicated to Michael Jackson in honour of his 50th birthday. 5FM decided that every hour it would break away from its normal content and play two songs from Michael Jackson along with a short narrative about his life. 5FM did a similar on air promotion for Madonna on her 50th birthday. Both these on air promotions were very successful and entertaining for the listeners.
“The establishment of the first ever radio forum and dedicated radio awards ceremony is a big and very positive step for the South African broadcasting community and all the clients, partners and consumers we interact with. The SABC was a proud headline sponsor and 5FM was out in force as usual with DJ Koula co-hosting the awards ceremony and DJ's Grant and Anele setting the decks on fire at the post-awards party hosted at Taboo. Needless to say we celebrated with all our might,” says 5FM Marketing Manager, Justine Cottrell.
The Africa Radio Forum 2008 brought together all players in the radio industry to revitalise and create a significant impact in listenership, research and revenue. A mix of local and international speakers addressed delegates at the forum on topics that ranged from the incorporation and integration of multi-media platforms to the latest patterns and methodologies for research. Speakers where carefully selected to present the most in-depth and comprehensive picture of radio and its opportunities in South Africa.
SABC General manager of Commercial Radio Bob Mabena said: “Radio is an entertainment and content business and, as an industry, we need to get into think tanks and crank up the volume as it should become a rock star medium again. More than ever we need collective solutions for the industry. There is a certain level of accountability inherent in the radio medium”
The entertainment powerhouse for South African Youth also walked away with awards at the Bookmark awards. The Youngblood5 website won a Gold Award for Best Microsite and a Silver Award for Best Use of Multiple Channels.
