"Congratulations to all of the finalists, and especially the winners for producing dynamic, captivating radio for the South African listening audience," says Taryn Westoby, head of Arena Events, which manages the Radio Awards.

"It's been a challenging period in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and making the Radio Awards happen this year, albeit on an online platform, has meant that the tireless work of radio stations around the country can be highlighted at a time when good news is really welcomed," adds Westoby.

This year's Station of the Year Awards went to:
  • Kaya 95.9 FM (Commercial)
  • Hot 91.9 FM (Community)
  • Radio 2000 (PBS), and
  • Tuks 107.2 FM (Campus).
Winners were determined by the number of times they appeared as a finalist across all general categories of The Radio Awards. Each of the finalists submitted a further motivation that spoke to the station's:
  • innovation
  • audience growth
  • community outreach
  • general achievements, and
  • its 'x-factor'.
This motivation was then scored by the Radio Awards advisory panel. This score accounted for the first half of a station's final score, and the second half of the final score was determined by a station's success in the other categories.

A record number of entries (more than 2 000) were received from a record number of stations (more than 160) in 2020's edition of the Radio Awards.

Entries were adjudicated by a team of 54 judges and reviewed by BDO South Africa, the newly appointed auditors for the Radio Awards.

More than 80 award winners were celebrated across 25 categories. Seven Bright Stars were announced, and five industry stalwarts were inducted into the Hall of Fame, including:
  • Brian Oxley
  • Gabriel Urgoiti
  • Neil Johnson
  • Peter Wise, and
  • Rev. Prince Zulu.
In the two listener's choice categories, the My Station Most Votes Award went to Ligwalagwala FM, which received the most online votes from the listening public.

The My Station Loyal Listeners Award went to Hot 91.9 FM for receiving the most public votes as a ratio against its RAMS figures.

2020 was also the first year for the Station Manager's Choice Award, an award recognising the contributions made by behind-the-scenes station employees.

The inaugural award was presented to two individuals, which were:
  • Marika de Jongh of OFM, and
  • Linda van Schalkwyk of Pretoria FM.
The recipient of the Radio Awards Bursary Award is Nthapeleng 'Tsholo' Moteka.

"2020's awards would not have happened as successfully without the firm commitment from numerous individuals," says Westoby. 

"We'd like to thank the members of our advisory board, the adjudication panel, BDO South Africa and members of the NAB for giving of their time to ensure the Radio Awards remain relevant, credible and independent," adds Westoby.

"A high bar has been set for 2021, and we look forward to the year ahead," Westoby concludes.

To view the complete list of 2020 winners, individuals can visit www.radioawards.co.za. 

For those who may have missed the online announcement, Business Day TV (DStv 412) will re-broadcast the announcement on television on Saturday, 18 April (16:00 and 21:00), and on Sunday, 19 April (16:00 and 21:00).

The Media magazine is the publication partner for the Radio Awards 2020. To book advertising space in this edition that will be distributed to a broad audience of brand owners and marketers.

Individuals can contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

The Radio Awards has indicated that it supports the initiative by the NAB and its commercial radio members to tackle gender-based violence in South Africa with their 'Turn Down Your Radio' campaign.

If you are a whistle-blower or victim of gender-based violence, please visit the department of Social Development's official GBV information and contact portal for help.

For more information, visit www.radioawards.co.za. You can also follow the Radio Awards on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.