Categories for MTN Radio Awards announced

The very best of South Africa's on-air and behind-the-scenes radio talent will be honoured at this year's prestigious MTN Radio Awards, taking place at Montecasino on 15 May 2010. This is the first time the radio broadcasting industry is being recognised in this manner and it's long overdue.

The MTN Radio Awards are held in conjunction with the Future Group, a leading Johannesburg-based marketing and media solutions company.

On 11 March 2010 a panel discussion, moderated by The Journal editor Jeremy Maggs, was held to review the growing influence of radio in South Africa. Several high-powered radio industry players were quizzed on the future of programming, optimising sales strategies, and developing and nurturing on- and off-air talent, among other topics. This debate was followed by a press conference updating the public on the MTN Radio Awards programme in general, and announcing the call for entries, now open on the awards Web site http://www.mtnradioawards.co.za.

“Radio is such an important medium for the entire African continent. It is, in many instances, the only outside voice that many community inhabitants hear. With this in mind, MTN is delighted to be part of an initiative that aims to honour the commitment and efforts so many of our radio personalities put into their roles as the voice of our people,” says Serame Taukobong, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN South Africa.

The judging panel has a challenging task ahead of it, specifically judging the 20 MTN Radio Awards categories announced at the panel discussion. The categories include inducting industry veterans to the MTN Radio Hall Of Fame, the 2010 MTN Ayoba Radio Station of the Year as voted for by listeners, the 2010 MTN Ayoba Community Radio Station of the Year and the Young Achiever of the Year awards.

Judges for the awards include well known ad critic and brand expert Andy Rice; Anthony Duke, former radio station manager; Aubrey Malden, award winning radio commercial writer; Dan Moyane, broadcaster and former chairman of Primedia Broadcasting; top rated media planner and strategist Donald Liphoko; Franz Kruger, head of Wits University's radio programme; media strategist Gordon Muller; digital citizen journalist Khaya Dlanga; radio commercials producer John Culverwell; radio consultant and former station manager Lance Rothschild; policy and convergence expert and former regulator Lara Kantor; CEO of business consultancy BBDO Consulting Lebo Biko; youth brand expert Musa Kalanga; Norman Gibson, General Manager of the SA Radio Advertising Bureau; former newspaper editor and media consultant Ryland Fisher; former radio manager and now CEO - National Arts Festival Tony Lankester; Nomahlubi Simamane, CEO Zanusi Brand Solutions; Koos Radebe, executive, Communications & CSI Director Tracker Network, Lawrence Dube, previously KayaFM.

A percentage of the revenue generated from the MTN Radio Awards, including a supplementary radio edition of The Journal to be run at the time of the awards, will be used to fund a radio bursary programme, ensuring the ongoing advancement of South African broadcasting talent.

For more media information, please contact: Bridget Bhengu, Senior Manager: PR and Communication for MTN SA E-mail: [email protected]%20 Cell: 083 212 1964

Note to editors:

Categories for the MTN Radio Awards: 1. Radio Hall Of Fame 2. 2010 MTN Ayoba! Radio Station of the Year 3. 2010 MTN Ayoba! Community Radio Station of the Year 4. Young Achiever Of The Year Award 5. Best News Show of the Year 6. Best News Reader of the Year 7. Best Breakfast Show Presenter of the Year 8. Breakfast Show of the Year 9. Best Business Presenter of the Year 10. Best Business Show of the Year 11. Best Day Time Presenter of the Year 12. Best Day Time Show of the Year 13. Best Music Presenter of the Year 14. Best Music Show of the Year 15. Best Night Time Presenter of the Year 16. Best Night Time Show of the Year 17. Best Sports Show of the Year 18. Best Sports Presenter of the Year 19. Best Radio Producer of the Year 20. Best Promotion/ Stunt / Event of the Year 21. Listeners Choice 2010 - Favourite Radio Station of the Year Award