Monday, 12 February 2007

Talk Radio 702 has been shortlisted as radio station of the year in the BBC Africa Radio Awards.

The Johannesburg-based talk radio station was shortlisted for the southern African regional finals of the awards, which seek to honour excellence in radio broadcasting on the African continent.

Talk Radio 702's entry in the category, 'Radio Station of the Year' centred around its efforts to provide impartial news reporting, programming that reflects local interest and initiatives with a strong community focus.

"We're very excited about our progress in the BBC Africa Radio Awards, as we feel this reflects our commitment to providing listeners with strong, balanced content that serves the local community," said Talk Radio 702 station manager, Pheladi Gwangwa. "The awards are specifically looking for a station "that best serves its listeners' needs through programming"; that is involved with its community; and "goes beyond normal programming to make an actual difference to its listeners' lives". This is exactly what Talk Radio 702 does and this nomination proves it."

The station was further shortlisted for the regional finals in the category, 'Local On Air Campaign', for its Tax Break initiative, spearheaded by morning drive host, John Robbie. The Tax Break campaign sought to mobilise the community to support a move for tax relief for the families of police officers killed in the line of duty.

The station racked up a further nomination, in the category, 'Journalist of the Year', where news reporter Mandy Wiener was shortlisted for her reporting on the tragic death of f ifteen month-old Khensani Mitileni; and her coverage of the death of Makgabo Matlala, the granddaughter of Transvaal Judge President Bernard Ngoepe.

The BBC Africa Radio Awards is in its inaugural year and is supported by the British Council. Judging in the regional finals takes place on 12 and 13 February 2007, with the winners being announced on 26 May 2007 at a gala banquet in Nairobi, Kenya.

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