Rose Anderson: The World’s Best Radio Programs awards

Rose Anderson is the Executive Director of the New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs awards.

Held annually, the awards celebrate excellence and innovation in radio broadcasting.

radioinfo had the opportunity to get some details about the awards from Rose.

ri:  Rose, you’ve been in charge of New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs for the past 5 years, how has the competition evolved?

 RA: 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 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. We celebrate the achievements of the many talented men and women who make up the worldwide radio community. Even as distribution platforms multiply across the airwave spectrum, one thing remains constant: the power of the individual voice.

ri:  What aspects of heading up the Radio Awards do you enjoy most?

RA:  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 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.

ri:  What opportunities does the competition give  students and future rising stars?

RA:  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.

ri:  You have new categories in the awards this year, what’s your ongoing strategy?

RA:  As you know, time does not stand still in the radio industry – new ways of reaching listeners and new ways of telling the important stories of our day are of prime importance. Keeping that in mind, 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.

ri: The  GrandJury members are  really a “who’s who” of radio professionals from around the world, how do you recruit top talent to judge the competition’s entries?

 RA: Today’s multi-platform world offers a wealth of excellent and innovative programming in all areas and our goal is to determine what is considered to be the World’s Best Radio created during each year. The prominent media executives who make up the members of the Advisory Board are recognised for their expertise. Together with our GrandJury members, they represent a global online community dedicated to using the most advanced technology available. 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 come 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.

ri: The Festival also includes the United Nations Department of Public Information awards.  How are the winners chosen for this?

RA: 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.

ri: Now finally, as you know, there is currently a dispute in Australia over radio streaming music fees. What is the situation in the USA with this?

RA: As the number of platforms expand, rights issues have come more and more to the forefront – with all participants wanting a share of revenues. Seeking to apply a single standard for deciding royalties has engaged lawmakers for some time and is an active, ongoing conversation.

Entry into the New York Festival’s World’s Best Radio Programs awards is now open.
For more details, visit the  New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs website.

 

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