University News Last updated 27 June 2012
A twelve-part documentary series produced by staff and students at Birmingham School of Media and Xfm London was awarded a gold award at last week’s 2012 New York Radio Festival.
The New York Radio Festival awards recognise outstanding radio programming and promotions in all lengths and formats from radio stations, networks and independent producers from around the globe. Entries for this year’s awards were received from twenty-seven countries.
The radio documentary series, called ‘Xfm 25’, was broadcast by Xfm every month throughout 2011, with each documentary episode profiling a significant eighties record, followed by the entire album played in full.
The episodes each celebrated the 25th anniversary of an influential album released during 1986 and featured works by Prince, REM and The Smiths. Contributing to the radio documentary series were key musicians and producers as well as leading UK broadcasters, music journalists and fans. Staff from Birmingham School of Media, part of Birmingham City University, also featured throughout the series.
MA radio students and Sam Coley, Radio Degree Leader, worked alongside Xfm staff to create the series, which received a gold award in the Best Music Special entertainment category at the New York Radio Festival, held at the Manhattan Penthouse in New York on Monday 18 June.
Andy Ashton, Xfm Network Programme Director, said: “Xfm is proud to have worked so closely with Birmingham School of Media on the Xfm 25 documentary project. The partnership delivered a unique and award winning listener experience that had the extra benefit of having students performing a hands on role within a live radio environment – delivering real programming and results.”