Smile 90.4 FM beat out competition from Algoa FM, Jacaranda FM, Power 98.7, The Eye and Tuks FM 107.2 for the award.
“From day one, the entire Smile 90.4 FM team have not only bought into, but [also] lived our ethos of positivity and putting a smile on every listener’s face," said Smile 90.4 FM managing director, Lois O’Brien.
"To be recognised for our efforts and innovation in our news positioning of Amplifying the Good News in the Mother City is wonderful. I am extremely proud of this award, considering we are a relatively young station.”
Smile 90.4 FM was created with the deliberate intention of putting smiles on the faces of the people of the Mother City. While other stations may lay claim to this very same dynamic, Smile 90.4 FM states that it is the only one deliberately carrying it through to the most time-worn of radio’s elements – the news product.
According to Smile 90.4 FM, the decision to innovate was not taken lightly. A great deal of thought went into understanding the psychology of audio messaging and the effects that excessive negative information has on evolving multi-cultural communities in transforming markets.
“Being recognised for innovation is most gratifying because forward thinking, creativity and relevance are Smile 90.4 FM priorities," says Clive Ridgway, program director at the station.
"Our broadcasting philosophy is based on adding real value in the lives of our listeners. Providing well-contextualised, factual and useful content is today more important than ever, given the proliferation of fake news engulfing social media and negative news dominating traditional media spaces."
"The Liberty Radio Awards nominations affirms the decision to shift our news paradigm. I’m really pleased with this acknowledgement. A huge thanks to every team member contributing to our success.”
For more information, visit www.smile904.fm. You can also follow Smile 90.4 FM on Facebook or on Twitter.