Farm Radio International Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Radio Broadcasting
Farm Radio International takes immense pride in recognizing and honoring exceptional contributions within its extensive radio network through two prestigious awards. These accolades not only serve as a testament to the dedication and commitment of broadcasters but also highlight the profound impact they have on family farmers and rural communities. The George Atkins Communications Award stands as a tribute to a distinguished broadcaster who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting family farmers and rural communities. On the other hand, the Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio celebrates a program team’s outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality and making a positive impact on the community.
The anticipation builds as the winners of these esteemed awards will be unveiled during a special celebration on World Radio Day in 2024.
The George Atkins Communications Award: Recognizing Dedication and Excellence
This highly esteemed award is a testament to the significant individual contributions made by radio broadcasters towards enhancing food security and alleviating poverty in low-income countries. Named in honor of George Atkins, the Founding Director of Farm Radio International, the award is presented annually to broadcasters who exhibit exceptional proficiency in addressing the needs of small-scale farmers while fostering a strong partnership with Farm Radio International.
Recipients of the George Atkins Communications Award not only receive a certificate of recognition but also a prize of $500 CA. This serves as a token of appreciation for their remarkable dedication and efforts towards creating a positive impact on the lives of family farmers.
The 2023 winners stand as shining examples of this commitment:
- Sakina Majawa, Chanco Community Radio, Malawi
- Evelyn Balozi, Utume FM, Tanzania
- Hortense Lamboni, Radio Rurale Communautaire des Savanes, Togo
Eligibility Criteria:
The eligibility criteria for this distinguished award are designed to ensure that it reaches those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to their roles as radio broadcasters. To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must work at a radio station that has been a Farm Radio International broadcasting partner for at least one year. This criterion ensures that the broadcaster has a solid understanding of the organization’s mission and values.
- Should possess a minimum of three years of experience as a radio broadcaster, including volunteer work. This requirement reflects the need for seasoned professionals who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the field.
- Past recipients of the George Atkins Communication Award are not eligible to apply for five years after receiving the award. This provision is in place to ensure that the award continues to recognize new and deserving recipients.
It is worth noting that this award not only acknowledges individual broadcasters but also serves as a testament to the strong partnership between broadcasters and Farm Radio International. The recipients are those who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of small-scale farmers and have worked tirelessly to address these needs.
How to Apply:
To be considered for the George Atkins Communications Award, applicants are required to complete the provided application form. Additionally, they must submit a photograph of themselves actively engaged in their role as a broadcaster, along with a recording of an episode from their program. These elements collectively provide a comprehensive view of the applicant’s dedication and proficiency in their role.
The completed application form, along with the accompanying materials, should be emailed to the respective addresses provided for each country. This ensures that the application is directed to the appropriate Farm Radio International representative for review and consideration.
The Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio: Celebrating Gender Equality in Radio Programs
This prestigious award celebrates radio programs that serve as champions for women listeners. Winning programs actively promote gender equality by sharing women’s experiences, addressing topics important to women, or emphasizing the role of men in achieving gender parity.
The award is not limited to recognizing individual broadcasters but extends to the entire station team responsible for the program’s success. This includes managers, producers, hosts, presenters, reporters, technicians, and others who contribute to the program’s impact.
What sets this award apart is its inclusivity in terms of program content. Winning programs can cover a wide range of subjects, not limited to gender equality issues. The key criterion is that the program, regardless of its focus, serves women’s interests and addresses their unique needs and experiences.
In recognition of their exceptional work, the winning broadcast team will receive a certificate and a prize of $1,000 CAD. This serves as both a recognition of their efforts and a financial boost to continue their impactful work.
Eligibility Criteria:
The Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio is open to any Farm Radio International broadcasting partner in sub-Saharan Africa. To be eligible, broadcasters or station managers must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a broadcasting partner of Farm Radio International, actively engaged in delivering radio programs to their communities.
- Must demonstrate a commitment to promoting gender equality in their program content. This includes showcasing women’s experiences, addressing topics important to women, and highlighting the role of men in advancing gender parity.
- Submissions must include a recording of a program aired in 2023, along with a full transcription of the episode. This ensures that the award judges can gain a comprehensive understanding of the content and quality of the program.
How to Apply:
To be considered for the Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio, broadcasters or station managers must submit all of the following items via email to [email protected] on behalf of their program team:
- The completed application form with detailed answers.
- A recording of the program (Please submit an episode aired in 2023.)
- A full transcription of the recorded episode in either English, French, Portuguese, Amharic, or Swahili. The transcript (a written version of your episode, including every word spoken by the host(s) and each guest) ensures that the award judges can understand the content and quality of your work.
- A typical program lineup/runsheet in Word or PDF format.
The deadline for applications has been extended to November 3, 2023. This extension provides broadcasters with ample time to prepare and submit their applications for consideration.
Celebrating Excellence: The 2023 Winners
The 2023 winners of the Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio exemplify the spirit of excellence and dedication to gender equality:
- Radio Évangile Albarka (Gender equality and social balance) in central Togo (Winner)
- Keneya blon (Health corridor) from Radio Baoulé in Mali (First runner up)
- Duond Mikayi (The voice of the matriarch) from Radio Mikayi in Kenya (Second runner up)
Their programs have not only made a positive impact on their communities but have also served as beacons of inspiration for broadcasters across sub-Saharan Africa.
In conclusion, the Farm Radio International Awards stand as a testament to the profound impact that radio broadcasters have on their communities. Through their dedication, commitment, and innovative programming, these broadcasters are making a tangible difference in the lives of family farmers and rural communities. The awards not only recognize individual excellence but also highlight the importance of collaboration and partnership between broadcasters and Farm Radio International. As we look forward to the special celebration on World Radio Day in 2024, we anticipate unveiling a new cohort of deserving winners who continue to exemplify the values and mission of Farm Radio International.
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