The IMRO Radio Awards 2023 rolled out its red carpet to welcome the finest talents in Irish radio from across the island to the gala event at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. This year’s event was hosted by comedian and broadcaster Oliver Callan, and with IMRO at the helm as the headline sponsor, the event was a great evening of recognition, reconnection and camaraderie.
Award winners at #IMRO23 include:
***Local Station of the Year***
‘Local Station of the Year’ showcases the best in local broadcasting. This year, the accolade goes to… CLARE FM. Their genuine connection with the local listeners and consistent content made them stand out.
***Music Station of the Year***
The ‘Music Station of the Year’ recognises a station that curates an engaging musical experience. The station that hit the right notes this year is…SPIN1038.
***National Station of the Year***
The ’National Station of the Year’ goes to… NEWSTALK. Their well-rounded programming and focus on listener engagement truly set them apart.
And let’s not forget a few more winners that have enriched the radio landscape this year:
**Breakfast Show of the Year: The Big Breakfast with Brendan and Rebecca, 98fm
**Documentary: Documentary on One: Blackrock Boys, RTÉ Radio 1
**Radio Moment of the Year: Losing my Boys to Suicide, LMFM
**News Broadcaster of the Year: Declan Harvey, BBC Radio Ulster
Having been inducted into the Hall of Fame in September this year, four inductees took to the stage at the Lyrath. John Bennett MBE (BBC Radio Ulster), Joe Finnegan (Shannonside/Northern Sound), Paddy Halpenny (formerly of Communicorp) and Mary Wilson (RTÉ Radio 1) were greeted with a standing ovation for their contributions to Irish Radio.
The Outstanding Achievement Award this year was won by Radiocentre Ireland and was accepted by Ciaran Cunningham, CEO of Radiocentre Ireland. Radiocentre is a body established by RTE and Independent Broadcasters of Ireland to promote audio as a marketing medium. All of Ireland’s radio operators have come together to promote the unbeatable reach and unique relationship enjoyed by Irish radio and its millions of listeners.
IMRO Radio Awards Committee Chairman Chris Doyle commented, “It is great to have the radio sector come together and celebrate the outstanding creativity and talent producing amazing radio in Ireland. Congratulations to all the winners.”
Chairperson of IMRO, Eleanor McEvoy, said, “The IMRO Radio Awards honour the dedicated professionals who have consistently pushed the boundaries of radio broadcasting, bringing innovation, inspiration and entertainment to their listeners. On behalf of IMRO, I would like to congratulate tonight’s winners. You have raised the bar, and your passion for radio continues to light up the lives of listeners throughout the entire country.”
Celene Craig, Broadcasting Commissioner, commented, “Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s new media regulator and development agency, would like to congratulate all nominees and winners this evening. An Coimisiún is delighted to celebrate the talent and innovation at work across the radio sector today and recognises that both winners and nominees tonight are an example of broadcasting expertise and experience that delivers quality programming day in and day out for listeners. We are delighted to sponsor the Awards and would like to extend our congratulations to all involved.”
As the evening wrapped up, there was a clear sense of optimism for the future of radio in Ireland. Here’s to another year of dynamic content and the talented individuals from both in front of and behind the mics who make it all happen.
For the full list of winners visit: https://www.imroradioawards.ie/
Photo Credit: Andres Poveda
