NYF Radio Awards

In this week’s Winners Spotlight: La petite glaneuse de sons from Sound Artist Benoit Bories is a poetic sound fiction for children and adults alike, designed to explore the fundamentals of sound: sound ecology, sensitive phonography, soundscapes and acousmatic music. It’s also an introduction to the craft of sound design.

A young girl is confronted with the disappearance of her sound ecosystem when it comes into contact with the industrial world. Together with her grandfather, she finds a way to restore the fragile sounds of her natural world.

You won’t hear any sounds from sound databases: the composition is built up by juxtaposing numerous layers of sound for a dynamic listening experience with a strong depth of field.

In this week’s Winners Spotlight: In So Many Steves: Afternoons with Steve Martin, New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik creates a new type of profile: a year’s worth of conversations with Martin where Gopnik pulls back the curtain on his friend’s illustrious career as a comedy legend.

This audio-biography from Pushkin Industries places you in Martin’s apartment across from Steve and Adam, listening as their conversation flows from Steve’s first job in a magic shop to selling out stadiums as a standup comedian, starring in major motion pictures, writing his first novel, and teaching himself to play the banjo. Through it all, clips from Steve Martin’s iconic stand-up routines and movies, excerpts from his writing and tv appearances, are knit together by an original banjo score created and played by Steve.

We are proud to share that Volley and Serve: From Wimbledon to the Front Lines has won gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards! 🏆✨ This compelling story follows Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who stunned the world by defeating Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Stakhovsky, retired and living in Budapest with his family, made the courageous decision to return to Ukraine and join the fight.

Reporter Tim Rohan traveled to Ukraine in March 2023 to bring this powerful story to life. Stakhovsky shares his decision to fight, the chaotic early days of the war, his views on the 2024 Olympics, the impact of the conflict on Ukrainian sports, and his firsthand experiences fighting in Bakhmut.

Part of the anthology series Sports Explains the World, this award is a testament to the bravery of Stakhovsky and the dedication of your reporting team. Thank you for shedding light on these extraordinary stories.

Congratulations to Accompany Studios/NPR's 1A for winning Silver with "The Sounds of America." This incredible series profiles recordings selected for the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress, preserving audio that has significantly impacted American culture.

For 2023, "The Sounds of America" shines a triple spotlight on Koko Taylor’s "Wang Dang Doodle," the authentic Chicago Blues hit from 1966; Koji Kondo’s "Super Mario Brothers Theme," the unforgettable melody from the classic Nintendo game released in 1985; and Carl Sagan’s "Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space," the renowned astrophysicist's profound audiobook. Your dedication to preserving and celebrating these iconic recordings is truly inspiring. Congratulations!

🏆 Honored to announce that “Tito Puente - Mambo Man” by Magnum Opus Broadcasting has won Gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards! 🥇🎶

This captivating documentary, airing on BBC World Service and WNYC Studios, takes us on a rhythmic journey through the legendary career of Tito Puente, El Rey del Timbal. From Mambo to Cha-Cha, Latin Jazz to Salsa, Puente’s innovative music continues to inspire and electrify audiences worldwide. 🌟

In addition to this prestigious win, “Tito Puente - Mambo Man” also received triple Silver for Biography/Profiles, Sound, and Announcer Presentation from the Grand Jury. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this incredible story to life and celebrated the legacy of a true musical icon.

We are delighted to award HarperCollins Publishers Gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards for their outstanding production of The Silmarillion. 🌟 This exceptional work, brought to life by the incomparable Andy Serkis, captures the essence of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tale, transporting listeners on a journey ‘There and Back Again.’

Kudos to the legendary director Garrick Hagon and producer Alex Rayment for their dedication over ten days in the booth at London’s ID Audio. A special mention to HarperCollins’ in-house Tolkien expert Chris Smith for his invaluable assistance with over 500 distinct words of Elvish and other Middle-earth languages.

Congratulations to Paramount and CBS News! Mo Rocca’s podcast “Mobituaries” has won gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards. This season, Mo and the team bring unique tributes to the dearly departed, including special episodes with Anderson Cooper and a heartfelt tribute to Broadway dancer Timothy Scott. Well deserved!

Murder in Boston: The Untold Story of the Charles and Carol Stuart Shooting has taken home the 2024 National Press Club Award, given to the highest-scoring news program across the Breaking News Story Coverage, Continuing News Story Coverage, Nonfiction Series, Investigative Journalism Podcast, and News Podcast categories.

In 1989, this crime made national headlines and shook Boston to its core. For this series, The Boston Globe journalists reviewed thousands of pages of archived files and unearthed grand jury files, including audio-taped interrogations that have never been released publicly. The team’s findings upended decades of misconceptions about the Stuart case and rewrote a central chapter of the city’s history.

The National Press Club, the World’s Leading Professional Organization for Journalists™, is a vigorous advocate of press freedom worldwide. The National Press Club has partnered with the New York Festivals Radio Awards to create this exclusive award.

Hamlet Noir has won a Grand Tower for Almost Tangible! Recorded on location at Kronborg Castle with an all-Scandinavian cast, this innovative project adheres to the principles of Dogme 95, capturing every nuance with hand-held binaural microphones.

This unique adaptation merges Shakespeare’s iconic play with a modern detective narrative, creating a compelling Nordic Noir crime drama. Set in present-day Denmark, the story follows Prince Hamlet’s quest for vengeance and homicide detective Eva Holm’s investigation into suspicious deaths in Elsinore.

Bravo to the entire team for this remarkable achievement!

Huge congratulations to Poonam Taneja and the entire team behind the CBC Podcasts, BBC Asian Network, and BBC Sounds’ groundbreaking series “Bloodlines” for winning a Grand Tower at this year’s New York Festivals Radio Awards!

“Bloodlines” offers a deeply compelling narrative, shedding light on the lives of children born or brought into the so-called Caliphate by radicalized parents. This multi-episode journey not only shares the chilling realities faced by these children but also follows the heart-wrenching story of a toddler who went missing as the Caliphate crumbled.

Hosted and reported by the fearless Poonam Taneja, the series was crafted through her courageous journalism, including a three-week stint in Syrian prison camps amidst bombings and stark dangers. This dedication brings us a story not often heard, providing a voice to those who cannot tell their own.

We’re proud to honor “The Beatles’ Legacy: Red and Blue” with a Grand Tower! This exceptional series, produced by Howlett Media Productions for The Beatles Channel on Sirius XM, marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ influential Red and Blue albums. Kevin Howlett masterfully narrates and produces, bringing to light the captivating story behind ‘Now And Then’ with exclusive insights from icons like Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and reflections from Sean Lennon and Olivia Harrison.

The series features rare archival material and interviews that explore the magic of The Beatles’ music, with contributions from musical legends and luminaries in the industry. Congratulations to Kevin Howlett and the team for this remarkable achievement in broadcasting!

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Almost Tangible for being honored as the 2024 Radio Production Company of the Year! This prestigious award is a recognition of the remarkable creativity and excellence that Almost Tangible brings to the world of audio storytelling.

Their award-winning entry, “Hamlet Noir,” not only secured a Grand Award but also multiple Gold trophies, demonstrating their unique ability to captivate and engage audiences through sound. “Hamlet Noir” is a testament to the innovative spirit and exceptional quality that Almost Tangible consistently delivers.

Congratulations to the entire team at Almost Tangible for your well-deserved success and for setting such high standards in radio production. We look forward to hearing more of your immersive and compelling audio experiences. Here’s to continued innovation and success in the years to come!

We are delighted to congratulate BBC on earning the prestigious 2024 Broadcaster of the Year Award! This accolade is a testament to BBC’s dedication to excellence in broadcasting and storytelling. BBC’s compelling, award-winning entries have truly set a high standard in journalism and documentary filmmaking. Winning a Grand Award and three Gold trophies for “Bloodlines,” “Believe in Magic,” and “The Shamima Begum Story” speaks volumes about their commitment to producing high-quality, impactful content that not only informs but also moves audiences around the world.
A heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at BBC for your incredible work and this well-deserved recognition. Your efforts continue to inspire and influence the industry, proving once again why the BBC is a leader in global media.

What is the purpose of awards? They inspire, they encourage, they reward. They help build careers. They can change your life. They mark achievement. They focus attention on creativity. They reward passion, courage and intensity.
New York Festivals honors those storytellers around the world and across all platforms who have created the content which so impressed our Grand Jury members. Compelling in subject matter, ambitious in scope, and off the charts in degree of difficulty, they flat out amaze. The 2024 Storytellers Gala is a virtual ceremony on April 16, watch it now! www.newyorkfestivals.com/Storytellers-gala

April 16th, 6PM New York Time. New York Festivals will salute Donna de Varona at the 2024 Storytellers Gala. It will be a night to remember. You can raise a glass of bubbly chez vous while you watch the Storytellers Gala unfold!

🌟 Save the Date! 🌟 You're cordially invited to the New York Festivals Radio Awards' Storytellers Gala. Join us virtually on April 16th, 6 PM New York Time, for an evening of celebration and storytelling. No access codes, no dress code - just bring your enthusiasm and a glass of bubbly to toast to the incredible talents. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night. 🥂✨

Exciting News from the 2024 Grand Jury! 🎧 We’re thrilled to introduce two of our Gold Trophy winners and esteemed panel members for this year’s evaluation: Megan Williams, a distinguished Freelance Reporter/Producer, and Nicolas Harry Salvarrey, the renowned Journalist from Urbana Play 104.3.

We guarantee your submissions are in the best hands, judged by individuals who share your commitment to excellence and innovation.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate this year’s trophy winners at the 2024 Storytellers Gala, streaming on April 16th. Join us in a virtual salute to the unparalleled talent and creativity within our industry.

The clock is ticking! You have just 48 hours left to submit your work to the New York Festivals Radio Awards. This is your last chance to be part of this year’s celebration of audio excellence - don’t wait another year to showcase your talents!

The 2024 Grand Jury is already immersed in listening to incredible submissions, and we’re thrilled to highlight two of our distinguished jury members: Karen Pearson and Chris Colbert.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work recognized on a global stage. Enter now and let your voice be heard!

The 2024 Grand Jury of the New York Festivals Radio Awards is already deep into listening to some of the most incredible audio submissions from around the globe. This year, we’re honored to introduce two industry powerhouses joining our panel, Olya Booyar - Head of Radio, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and

Lou Simon - Vice President, Music Programming, SiriusXM Radio.

Rest assured, your submissions are in capable hands. Our jurors are as passionate about excellence and innovation in audio as you are. They include writers, producers, editors, sound artists, journalists, and directors, all dedicated to celebrating the best in the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work evaluated by the best in the business. Finalize your submissions and let’s make this year’s awards unforgettable!

We’re proud to introduce two distinguished industry leaders who have joined our Grand Jury this year. As Gold Trophy winners, their insights and experience are invaluable to our panel:

🎧 Helen Quigley, Producer/Director at B7 Productions & Audioteria.
🔊 Benoit Bories, renowned Sound Artist with Faïdos Sonore/Créations sonores.

We are thrilled to announce two esteemed Gold Trophy winners joining our panel this year: Megan Williams, a Foreign Correspondent, and Tim Rohan, an Independent Journalist and the host of “False Idol.”

Their expertise is not just in their accolades but in their journey - a testament to passion, innovation, and excellence. With their diverse experience in writing, producing, editing, sound artistry, and directing, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.

As you prepare your submissions, take comfort in knowing that they will be evaluated by professionals who share your dedication to outstanding storytelling and creative innovation.

We are thrilled to introduce two distinguished Gold Trophy winners joining our panel this year: Leslie Mullen, a talented Writer/Producer & Host at NASA/JPL, and Götz Naleppa, the renowned Drama Director & Sound Artist at Naleppa Audio Productions.

Join us in celebrating the expertise and creativity that Leslie Mullen and Götz Naleppa bring to our panel. Your submissions are in the hands of industry leaders!

Meet our 2024 Grand Jury panel! Two Gold Trophy winners and industry leaders are on board. Your work will be judged by top writers, producers, editors, sound artists, journalists, and directors who value excellence and innovation as much as you do.

We're setting the stage for an extraordinary panel this year, and it's our pleasure to introduce two Grand Trophy winners as our newest members: Helen Shaw, Founder/Director at Athena Media, and Mark Travis, Director of Media Production at New York Philharmonic. Their diverse backgrounds in writing, producing, editing, sound artistry, journalism, and directing ensure a comprehensive and passionate review of your submissions. With their commitment to excellence and innovation, you can be confident that your work will receive the insightful and expert evaluation it deserves.

Introducing Andrew Mark Sewell, Our Newest Advisory Board Member 🎙️ Join us in welcoming a distinguished figure in the world of audio drama and indie filmmaking. Andrew, a former BBC executive and the founder of B7 Media, has recently co-created Audioteria.com, a groundbreaking platform showcasing top-tier audio dramas. His extensive experience and innovative approach are invaluable assets to our panel of prominent industry executives. Excited for the expertise and direction he brings to the Radio Awards competition!

🎧 Announcing the Distinguished Members of the 2024 New York Festivals Radio Awards Grand Jury 🎧

We're excited to present two industry powerhouses joining our panel this year, both from teams that have clinched Grand Trophies:

Diego Cannizzaro, Owner & Director of DMC Studio Argentina and Rebecca Fortuin, Senior Audio Editor at HarperCollins Publishers, United Kingdom.

As we assemble our 2024 Grand Jury, we're proud to have such accomplished leaders onboard. Submit your work with the assurance that it will be evaluated by the best in the industry - individuals who are as committed to groundbreaking radio and audio productions as you are.