The judging criteria for the MTN Radio Awards is to be unveiled at a special radio panel breakfast debate hosted by The Journal in early March.

Entrants will also be updated on the progress of the awards at the debate, which will be held on 11 March 2010 in Johannesburg at the Michelangelo Hotel.

The panel discussion moderated by Journal Editor Jeremy Maggs will look at the growing influence of radio in South Africa. Several high powered radio industry players will be quizzed on the future of programming, optimum sales strategies and developing and nurturing on and off air talent - among other topics.

After the discussion industry players will be briefed on the MTN Radio Awards and exactly what it is judges will be looking for.

“With only two weeks to go to the radio panel discussion our team has been working furiously to tie together all aspects of the awards, so that we are able to provide a full view of where we are at with the organisation of the event,” says MTN's Chief Marketing Officer Serame Taukobong.

In total there are 20 categories including a variety of Best Show, Presenter and Producer awards in various categories; The “MTN Ayoba” Station and Community Station of the year, and lifetime achievement recognition in the MTN Radio Hall of Fame.

The judges

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 (Pty) Ltd.

“Radio is such an important medium for the entire African continent, and is in many instances the only outside voices from the world many people in their communities hear. It is with this that 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,” adds Taukobong.

A percentage of revenue from the event as well as from a special “The Journal radio supplement”, that will be run at the time of the awards, will be used to fund a radio bursary programme, ensuring the ongoing advancement of radio broadcasting talent.

Date: Thursday, 11 March 2010
Time: 07h00 for 07h30 to 09h00
Venue: L'Incontro Ballroom, The Michelangelo Hotel, Nelson Mandela Square, West Street, Sandown

To book for the Radio Forum on 11 March please email Marcia Minnaar at marcia@netactive.co.za.
MIO