The Irish Audio Awards took place on March 14th in The Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin showcasing the best audio content in Ireland. The event organised by Radiocentre Ireland and ICAD is in its second year and saw record levels of entries across all the categories.
We were delighted to win the “Audio for Change” award for our LGBTQIA+ radio station Pride Vibes. A passion project created by the team in urbanmedia, in conjunction with Core, the station provides a voice for the community in Ireland and gives them the opportunity to share their story and celebrate Pride. The station is fully staffed by members of the community and showcased Irish on air talent like Sean Munsanje, Brian Kennedy, Crossy, Stephen Byrne, Rob Kenny and John Power. International talent included Shivani Dave, Vicki Blight and Paris Munro.
Broadcasting on digital platforms across the summer, and on a temporary FM licence for 30 days the station was a mix of brilliant Pride Music, hard hitting documentaries and magazine style talk shows that helped tell the key stories around the journey for equality and discuss some of the issues that remain today despite the progress made. The station was supported by Core, who played the dual role of commercial partner and trusted advisor ensuring that at all times the station remained authentic. We were also delighted to welcome like minded clients Voltarol, McDonald’s and Dalata Hotel Group whose contributions to the project ensured the delivery of a top class, now award winning, radio station.
The awards were presented by Anton Savage in the style of a radio show, with the nominated adverts providing the breaks in between some really interesting discussions. These included an entertaining chat with Mother of Pod presenters Sophie White, Jen O’Dwyer and a round table session with leading Irish creative leaders Jimmy Murphy, Abi Moran and Joanthan Forrest. Nick Goodman from Bounce and Foley Artist Caoimhe Doyle shared some of the secrets behind the power of sound and the evening was rounded off with a passionate session with chair of the judging panel Pearse McCaughey and fellow judge Sandra Bold.
As well as receiving an award each winner was presented with a cash prize. Urbanmedia will be donating their cash prize, along with a further donation to BelongTo, Pride Vibes charity partner, who do such great work with young people in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The full list of winners on the night were
Casting
Škoda Place Names, by Boys + Girls
Copywriting Craft
Škoda Place Names, by Boys + Girls
Audio for Change
Pride Vibes Radio, by Wireless Ireland
Use of Music
Boys of the NYPD Choir for EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, by the Public House and The Bridge Studio
Speculative
Deeper Connections, by Core Creative
Sound Design
Halloween for TBWA\Dublin and Best Drive, by Mutiny
Broadcaster
Gallagher’s Grand Primera for Mick’s Garage, by Radio Nova
Innovation
Heineken Rival Billboard, by Publicis Dublin
Consumer
A Story Worth Telling for Eason, by Dynamo
Grand Prix
Boys of the NYPD Choir for EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, by the Public House and The Bridge Studio
