Six weeks remain until the closing date for entries for the New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programmes Awards.
Asia Radio Today speaks with Rose Anderson, Executive Director of NY Festivals to find out more about how the contest has developed into one of the most respected awards for the radio industry.
1) You’ve been at the helm of the competition for the past 5 years, how has it evolved over the years?
Over three decades, New York Festival’s International Radio Program Awards has honored content in all lengths and forms and today we celebrate the exceptional and innovative programs being created today on all continents which engage the curiosity of listeners everywhere.
We have a new look but our commitment to excellence is still the same -and our art deco trophy is a symbol of that history. We continue to be responsive to current world-wide creative trends so we have updated some categories as well as created new ones. Our streamlined entry process makes it easier to submit and upload online.
Our agenda is simple – to celebrate the achievements of the many talented men and women who make up the worldwide radio community. Even as distribution platforms multiply, one thing remains constant: the power of the individual voice.
2) What is it about the NY Festivals that appeals to entrants from 36 countries around the globe?
One thing that is most important to us is that we make NYF’s Radio Program Awards a destination for people all over the world who are creating radio that is interesting, innovative, and of very high quality.
There are no geographical boundaries for talent and innovation so we have no boundaries in our entry process. Our entrants come from hundreds of production companies around the globe and embody the wide spectrum of programming – news, sports, entertainment, the arts, promos, and contests- being made today.
We do not make any distinction between where something was created and where it plays. We have no quotas. It is very important that to be international, you include all the nations.
Many awards competitions are national in scope or are by invitation-only or have other restrictions limiting eligibility. Our rules make it clear: one world, one competition, one show.
3) How does the competition champion students and future rising stars?
When students enter – and we have ten categories specifically for their programs – their submissions are voted on by the same jury members as NYF’s professional entrants. That puts their work in front of industry experts from around the world – a wonderful audition.
In 2013, student medal-winners in the Best Documentary category included Silver – Donald Shields’ Wild Highlands in the Gambia, Moray Firth Media Trust (Scotland), Bronze – Binge Drinking , Don’t Do it, Birmingham City University(UK), Bronze – Homeless In Chicago, WRST-FM (USA), and Bronze – Don’t Say Gay?, CamFM (UK).
4) What new categories have you unveiled this year, and will you explain your strategy for launching new categories?
We want to truly reflect what is going on in the industry – so, every year, we actively consult thought-leaders about areas that are under-represented for recognition. This year is no exception, and we have added four categories – Best Nonfiction Series, Travel & Tourism Documentary, Travel & Tourism podcast, and Best Student Journalist.
Other categories that we’ve introduced since 2010 include: Best Sports Format, Regularly Scheduled Sports Program, Sports Special, Sports Newscast, Sports Promotions, Sports & Recreation documentary, Heroes, Entertainment Promotions, Green Promotions, Public Service Announcements, Program Open, Environment & Ecology documentary, Current Affairs documentary, Best Legal Reporting, Social Issues documentary, Culture & The Arts (Podcast), Religion (Online & Satellite), Drama (Online & Satellite), Comedy (Online & Satellite), Sports Reporter/Correspondent, Live Sound, Best Performance by an Actor/Actress, Best Interview and student: Documentary, Artist Performance/Interview, Comedy, Drama
All affirm that New York Festivals® competition has found the way to keep current by honoring and celebrating all the exceptional and imaginative programs being created today.
5) The GrandJury members list is a “who’s who” of radio industry professionals from around the globe, how do you recruit top talent to judge the entries?
The GrandJury members include over 100 directors, producers, journalists, writers, actors, creative directors, composers, on-air talent, and programming executives who are all award-winners themselves. These men and women are actively involved in what is being made today.
Last year, the jury members came from over 20 countries and that mix of perspectives is one of the strengths of this jury process. The GrandJury members are listed on our website. We look for wide experience and demonstrated achievement as a way of quantifying fairness in the selection process. People who have created excellence recognize it in others.
6) The NYF also collaborates with the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI). How are those award-winning entries chosen?
New York Festivals, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Public Information, established the United Nations Awards in 1990 to honor programs that best exemplify the aims and ideals of the United Nations.
Global concerns of particular interest to the UN include peace and security; advancement of women; social development; health issues including HIV/AIDS; tobacco use; human rights; crime and violence; literacy; sustainable development; and the fight against poverty.
Nominated Radio Awards Finalists are judged by a panel convened by the United Nations to select Gold, Silver, and Bronze United Nations Awards.
In 2013, UNDPI Awards were earned by the following programs: Gold –Underground Trade (WGBH); Silver – The State We’re In, The Oliver Twist of Kabul (Radio Netherlands Worldwide); Bronze – The Sunday Edition, It’s Their Life (CBC). Mr. Stephane Dujarric, Director of News and Media Division, of the United Nations Department of Public Information presented the awards at the Gala in NYC.
To have your program saluted as a vehicle for improving people’s lives – the heart of the UN’s mission – that is a profoundly gratifying level of recognition.