awards were presented at a gala dinner in London last week, attended by senior executives, producers and journalists from TV and radio channels from five continents and it rewarded the very best programmes and channels for international television and radio.
There were nine award categories and over 100 entries from international broadcasters in 20 countries. The BBC won various categories such as Best Radio Coverage of a Single News Event and International TV Station of the Year. Sky News picked up the award for Best TV Coverage of a Single News Event while Al Jazeera received the award for Best Magazine TV Program.
“We knew that we had won something but the organisers had released no details, so it was a genuine surprise when the category International Radio Station of the Year came up, and our name was announced. We were described as a brave, and excellent independent alternative to Zimbabwe’s state media,” said the station’s head Gerry Jackson.
The AIB awards are the only ones that celebrate excellence in international cross-border broadcasting, judged by an international panel of broadcasting experts, including professional TV and radio critics from leading newspapers.
“We are very pleased to know that our peers have recognised the quality of our programming. All we have ever tried to do is broadcast well produced programmes into Zimbabwe so that listeners feel informed and entertained. Unfortunately the government doesn’t see it like that and has gone to enormous expense to jam our signal in the main centres,” said Jackson.
She added it was a tragedy that Zimbabwe’s best journalist’s and broadcasters had to base outside their country. SW Radio Africa can be heard via shortwave in Southern Africa on 4880kHz (if you’re outside the jamming area!) and anywhere in the world via the internet www.swradioafrica.com – Own correspondent
Post published in: News