Awards a good concept but adjudication leaves a blot

IT IS simply inconceivable that a regional radio station, which caters for a select few, could be the best station in the country.

Well, that was the case on Saturday night when Talk Radio 702 was for the second year crowned the best radio station at the MTN Radio Awards.

For the record: I am not a big fan of this station because to be fair their programming is shaped by their listeners.

This station could be best described as a platform for the grumblers who thrive on complaining about anything.

So exactly how did the station walk away with more awards than any other station?

The general public might not know this but the answer lies in the panel of judges.

The majority of judges are clearly fans of the station. It is pretty much like the SABC's Artes Awards, where the public broadcaster's station swept the awards.

Even awards consultant David Mashabela struggled to explain the adjudication process, which in one category pitted SAfm with community radio stations.

Surely MTN SA chief marketing officer Serame Taukobong did not mean it when he told reporters during a lunch break before the event that he was happy with the adjudication process.

What was comforting, though was that he did acknowledge that the awards were still in their infancy and ideas or suggestions were most welcome.

Yes competent presenters like Kaya FM's Thabo Mokwele were rewarded but surely no sane person would be happy with a situation in which Primedia radio stations swept the board.

The recognition of radio legends such as Shado Twala, Max Mojapelo, Koos Radebe and Tim Modise, who were inducted into the Hall of Fame, is applauded.

When all is said and done the awards are a good concept which, if fairly managed, could go a long way to shaping the status of radio in this country.