The BBC Africa Radio Awards is in its inaugural year and is supported by the British Council. Judging in the regional finals has been taking place on 12 and 13 February 2007, with the winners to be announced on 26 May 2007 at a gala banquet in Nairobi, Kenya.
“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,” says Pheladi Gwangwa, Talk Radio 702 station manager.
“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 2006 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 fifteen month-old Khensani Mitileni; and her coverage of the death of Makgabo Matlala, the granddaughter of Transvaal judge president Bernard Ngoepe.
