NZ radio awards to become an online event

A new and substantially changed format for the 2010 New Zealand Radio Awards has been announced by the New Zealand Radio Industry Awards Committee.

Chairman David Brice says “Tough economic times have prompted a hard look at the cost structure of the Awards. But at the same time, industry leaders are unanimous in their on-going support for this important showcase recognising excellence in radio broadcasting”.

The key change is a move away from the annual Awards show function in Auckland in favour of an online presentation via the internet. “The cost of bringing large numbers of radio people to Auckland for the annual Awards show has become prohibitive. We’re going to make the show accessible to every radio broadcaster, or for that matter, interested members of the public via the internet”.

Online technology will play a significant role in the 2010 Awards with the submission of entries, judging and the presentation of the Awards themselves all activated from an exciting new website being built by Satellite Media. The site is expected to launch in early December. This will have the effect of substantially reducing entry and judging costs.

Chairman of the Radio Broadcasters Association, John McElhinney, said that “We are confident that the Awards can only benefit from this positive combination of broader access and reduced costs environment through really smart use of the new technological environment. The RBA is confident that this will ensure the on-going success of the Awards, particularly by providing affordable access for a broader range of radio people”.

Entries for the 2010 Awards open 1st February and close 1st March. The winners will be announced in early May 2010 when it is hoped that the radio family literally from Kaitaia to Invercargill will be able to have their own Awards party to watch the show.

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