The New York Festivals Radio Awards honours radio content in all lengths and formats and across all platforms, from radio stations, networks and independent producers from around the globe. According to NYF, embracing all aspects of the radio and audio industries, the categories "mirror today's global trends and encourage the next generation of story-tellers by recognising innovators in 14 category groups."
"This is an incredible honour, particularly if one looks at the calibre of judges from around the world," says Madurai. "But, whilst it's a huge thrill for me, personally, to participate as a judge, what's even more important is that HOT 102.7FM has made a big enough impact on this global platform to be recognised as an internationally credible radio entity, and that just speaks to the quality of our product and the progress we've made in a little over three years of being on air."
"All of us are thrilled that Lloyd is sharing his industry experience and he will truly be an asset," says Gayle Seminara Mandel, Vice-President, Communications Director, Executive Director, of AME Awards New York Festivals.
"Our distinguished jury is comprised of industry leaders whose deep experience and day-to-day immersion in the field make them uniquely qualified to evaluate excellence. As Managing Director of HOT 102.7FM, Lloyd brings a wealth of expertise, perspective and a keen awareness of evolving trends to the judging process. His participation reflects the global trust placed in our peer-judging system, ensuring both fairness and integrity," adds Mandel.
HOT 102.7FM says that it first entered the New York Festivals Radio Awards in 2023 and was shortlisted in seven categories before four of the station's entries made it through to the final stage and were awarded "finalist" status. HOT 102.7FM was the only South African radio station to feature at the New York Festivals Radio Awards and found itself alongside the likes of global heavyweights such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, Radio Canada, RTE Radio 1 (Ireland), Sirius XM (US), Sky (UK) and Virgin Radio UK.
In 2024, the station says that it was honoured in three categories, including a first nod for the new HOT 1027 Breakfast Show — HOT 102.7FM's flagship show.
"Obviously I won't be judging categories where there's a conflict of interest but am holding thumbs that HOT 102.7FM is recognised for the third year running on this global radio platform, which would mean the absolute world to everyone here at the station and give us an accurate gauge of where we stand in the radio world," says Madurai.
HOT 102.7FM concludes that Madurai and his fellow judges will judge the entries online, with the shortlist revealed in March, and the New York Festivals Radio Awards winners announced at a gala event later in the year.
For more information, visit www.hot1027.co.za. You can also follow HOT 102.7FM on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor