2021 SA RADIO AWARDS
Written by Master on August 5, 2021
Wits’ campus radio, Voice of Wits (VOW) FM scooped five awards at the 2021 South African Radio Awards.
The annual Radio Awards honours outstanding achievements in the South African radio industry, and sets a benchmark for all radio stations and professionals to strive towards.
The campus radio station was nominated for 19 awards in recognition of their excellence in radio.
The 11th edition of the SARadio Awards was held on 31 July 2021. The online ceremony hosted by comedian, Loyiso Madinga celebrates talented and hard-working in the individuals in SA’s radio industry. This year, a total of 80 winners were awarded in 30 categories.
VOW FM was recognised in the categories,
The awards and nominations recognise the station’s captivating content and entertainment and programming that is informative and relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.
Out of 19 nominations, the station won 5 awards;
● The Covid Report on every Tuesday from 6 to 7pm scooped Content Producer in the category of Campus and Community combined.
● That Launch show on every weekday from 12 to 3pm, won best daytime show under Campus radio.
● iTalk Youth on every Thursday from 6 to 7pm, won news and actuality show under the Campus and Community combined category.
● Recruitment Agency every Friday from 6 to 8pm, Night-Time show under Campus radio category.
● The Global Love Experience on every Sunday from 3 to 6pm, under the Weekend Radio Show Campus category.
Radio still remains the medium that brings about informative conversations that add value to listeners. It’s exciting to see the growth and excellence of radio hosts and procurers in the radio industry who play a role in making sure radio remains a medium that is dominant.
Shoeshoe Qhu, VOW FM Station Manager said she is proud to witness the growth and excellence of the station.
“I am very proud of the work put in by the team of volunteers and students who ensured the station was broadcasting amidst the pandemic and for producing great, engaging content for listeners. This recognition means a lot and is well deserved, and I hope it will boost the morale of the young talent within Voice of Wits, majority of whom are looking for a big break into commercial and mainstream media- their dreams are valid,” says Qhu.
Speaking on broadcasting during pandemic, Qhu says many lessons were learnt, “especially on how radio goes beyond FM.”
“The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online content consumption, and this meant that we had to move to the digital spaces. The station saw a big jump in the number of people tuning in from online and downloading our podcasts”.
To tune in to Voice of Wits visit vowfm.co.za. You can also engage with the station on social media @vowfm on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
