N&R Awards 2009
Results 2009
Results are being announced at regional ceremonies across the country. Winning entries will go forward as the entries to the Sony Radio Academy Station of the Year category (TSA under 300,000). Of these, three will be nominated for the award early next year. Stay tuned for more!
Rutland Radio, East Midlands Branch, Dec 09
Scotland
Nominated Stations:
- Central FM
- Shmu FM
- Moray Firth Radio
Winning Station: MFR.
The award was presented to MFR on Wednesday 2nd December at a Scottish Branch event in Glasgow.
Judges Comments: It is clear that this station has made a real connection with its community. For a station of its size it is impressively professional. This is due to the quality of the station imaging and production values. The message in the on air content is clear: whatever is happening in the local area, you would hear on this radio station. Their local news coverage is outstanding as is their ability to adapt their programming to reflect and respond to these. Listener interaction and a mature, responsible approach to sensitive local news stories is a real strength and something larger stations could certainly aspire to. An excellent entry.
Northern Ireland
Nominated Stations:
- BBC Radio Foyle
- Raidió Fáilte
Winning Station: BBC Radio Foyle .
Judges Comments: This was a solid entry which demonstrated that BBC Radio Foyle continues to serve its audience very well. It is clearly a trusted station which understands, serves and engages with its audience on a number of levels. The news and current affairs coverage was of a very high quality. Some of the best content had very strong emotional impact. The judges commented on the high production values in many of the pre-recorded features which involved effective use of sound effects. A worthy winner in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
East Anglia
Nominated Stations:
- Future Radio
- North Norfolk Radio
- Star Radio Cambridge
Winning Station: North Norfolk Radio.
The award was presented to North Norfolk Radio on December at a private event.
Judges Comments: The judges unanimously felt that North Norfolk Radio is very proud of its home patch. Stylistically it was slick yet understated with an easy going, friendly demeanor. The presenters showed excellent local knowledge. All features and competitions were always generated specifically for North Norfolk both in content and in choice of sponsor or charity involved. There was a consistent connection with its region and the listeners, remaining loyal to its community at every level. North Norfolk radio gives a warming first impression of being a small team with a big heart proving that 'local' does not have to be a belittling term.
East Midlands
Winning Station: Rutland Radio.
The award was presented to Rutland Radio at a private ceremony in December.
Judges Comments: Rutland Radio is a deserving winner with a fun, warm and inclusive feel whose entry sounded contemporary whilst remaining relevant to its audience. The station was everything local radio should be - lively, friendly, engaging and above all very local. It engendered a good sense of locality without sounding parochial, clearly has a great sense of pride in the area and fosters real community spirit. You felt that all the presenters - in particular the breakfast host - were truly in touch with the community. Listener contributions were never patronising and delivered with real skill for hearing the views of people from all walks of life. Most impressive was the quality of service offered on a small budget – particularly with the news and travel bulletins which were personalised and effective. All in all, the station effortlessly represented and reflected their region with an admirable professionalism and passion.
London
Nominated Stations:
- Resonance FM
- Hayes FM
Winning Station: Resonance FM.
The award was presented to Resonance FM on Monday 16th November at a London Branch event.
Judges Comments: The judges felt that Resonance stood out for listeners as a unique station in a saturated and largely homogenous radio market. It is a station that simply couldn't be found anywhere else, and that strongly identifies with - and super-serves - London's creative and artistic community. Its output defies format, and conveys a distinct attitude that "art should never care". The minimal budget of grants and donations from people passionate about the station, coupled with very creative use of diverse radio techniques, sets challenges for both listeners and the radio industry alike. The judges considered this should be warmly welcomed, and supported with this award.
North East
Winning Station: Radio Teesdale.
The award was presented to Radio Teesdale on Tuesday 1st December at a North East Branch event in Newcastle.
Judges Comments: The judges felt that the entry demonstrated strong commitment to and understanding of its community, with great potential for growth and development. Radio Teesdale broadcasts a great array of programme content in many genres, all of which is highly local to their broadcast area. Volunteers appear committed to the cause and whilst some of the items lack the professional polish of a BBC or Commercial station their efforts could not be ignored and should be supported.
North West
Nominated Stations:
- Manx Radio
- Tameside Radio
Winning Station: Manx Radio.
The award was presented to Manx Radio on Wednesday 9th December at a North West event.
Judges Comments: The breadth of Manx Radio's programming is impressive and the station sounds warm, but at the same time professional. They reflected their community and looked for ways to interact with different generations. A station like Manx – where the geographical boundaries are very clearly defined – could be quite lazy and make most of their programmes predictable 'easy listening'. The judges get the feeling that this is a vibrant station, which looks for news ways to present old ideas and it treats its audience with respect.
South
Nominated Stations:
- Isle of Wight Radio
- Andover Sound
- Forest FM
Winning Station: Andover Sound.
The award was presented to Andover Sound on Tuesday 2nd December at a South Branch event.
Judges Comments: It is clear that this station has made a real connection with its community. For a station of its size it is impressively professional. This is due to the quality of the station imaging and production values. The message in the on air content is clear: whatever is happening in the local area, you would hear on this radio station. Their local news coverage is outstanding as is their ability to adapt their programming to reflect and respond to these. Listener interaction and a mature, responsible approach to sensitive local news stories is a real strength and something larger stations could certainly aspire to. An excellent entry.
South East
Winning Station: Banbury Sound.
The award was presented at a private ceremony in December.
Judges Comments: The judges were impressed by the station's clear commitment to Banbury and felt the station not only set out to provide information but also put humour at its heart. A great example of local radio working with its audience - in an accessable and enaging way.
South West
Nominated Stations:
- BBC Radio Guernsey
- BBC Radio Jersey
- BCFM
Winning Station: BBC Radio Guernsey.
news.bbc.co.uk/local/guernsey/hi
Yorkshire
Nominated Stations:
- WHCR
- BCB
- Rother FM
Winning Station: WHCR.
The award was presented to WHCR on Monday 7th December at a Yorkshire Branch event.
Judges Comments: WHCR's submission contained examples of impressive live coverage of many local events, demonstrating an enthusiasm and passion for their locality. Natural sounding voices, good quality live output and an wide range of events were covered. They showcased what has obviously been a very busy year for this community station and its volunteers. They demonstrated a clear connection, sometimes on a very personal level, with their audience.
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