The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) revealed the winners of its annual global media awards at a glamorous gala event in London on 20 November, 2007. Attended by senior executives, producers and journalists from television and radio channels from five continents, the AIB Media Excellence Awards event rewarded the very best programmes and channels that cater to international television, radio and online audiences.
The Awards event was hosted by Mishal Hussain, one of BBC World’s anchors and more than 150 guests celebrated the success of their colleagues from around the world.
There were 12 categories in the 2007 AIB Media Excellence Awards, covering television, radio, online and technology. Over 100 entries were received from international broadcasters in 20 countries, as well as a range of innovative technology suppliers who support international TV and radio stations.
The Award winners were:
Clearest coverage of a single news event – radio
BBC World Service for Israel-Lebanon war
described by the judges as “classic war reporting combined with an almost perfect blend of frontline access and compassion for the ordinary people caught up in the conflict’
Clearest coverage of a single news event – television
CBS News for Among a Resurgent Taliban
“an outstanding report offering exclusive coverage with high production values’ with the judges paying particular tribute to Lara Logan’s bravery
Best topical programme – television
NDTV 24×7 for UP vs AIDS
“a powerful piece of television dealing with a difficult subject; well filmed and edited and bringing an understanding of the scale of a problem that’s been ignored for a great length of time’
Best topical programme – radio
BBC World Service for Ghana: African Perspectives
“an exceptional piece of radio that was inspiring yet dealt with a highly difficult subject – abortion’
Gear of the year
Omnibus Systems for iTX
“using commoditised IT equipment, this solution is scalable and integrates a great number of functions allowing multi-skilled operators to take control’
Most innovative partnership
Radio New Zealand International
“Radio New Zealand International has undertaken work with local partners to provide audiences across the Pacific region with information and topics to connect at all levels in their own language’
Most creative marketing concept
Joint winners: SW Radio Africa and France 24
“SW Radio Africa’s use of SMS text messaging to beat the censors enables the station to reach an audience under the most difficult censorship conditions’
“France 24’s launch campaign was very well thought through and well executed, with a unique use of animation to bring in younger viewers’
Most innovative cross-media production
BBC Global News for Generation Next
“These nine days of special programming on television, radio and online was well executed, providing interesting topics for a hard-to-reach market’
AIB International channel of the year – television
Bloomberg Television
“consistently high quality and punching above its weight, successfully marrying specialist material with more mainstream coverage of news and current affairs’
AIB International station of the year – radio
Radio New Zealand International
“Radio New Zealand International has proved it has the ability, clarity of vision and resources to deliver something that’s valued by audiences throughout the region’
AIB International radio personality of the year
George Arney of BBC World ServiceEurope
“George Arney’s slightly quirky approach reveals great truths about how people live their lives. He also takes listeners behind the scenes with some of the planet’s most powerful leaders’
AIB International television personality of the year
Lyse Doucet of BBC World
“one of the leading presenters and journalists on international television today – highly professional and able to convey the news with just the right measure of confidence’
The AIB Awards were judged by international panels drawn from the broadcasting industry, ensuring peer review of programming, as well as radio and TV critics, representing the audience’s perspective. Completely non-commercial, the AIB Awards are the only celebration of success that exclusively focuses on international, cross-border broadcasting.
“The AIB Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for the Association to provide a platform not only to celebrate success but also to share ideas,’ said Simon Spanswick, AIB chief executive. “The international broadcasting industry is often more innovative and fleet of foot than its domestic counterparts, and the Awards demonstrate the breadth of superb content that’s on offer to viewers and listeners throughout the world. We were delighted with the range and quality of the entries which made judging extremely tough. Our judges are to be congratulated on all their work, as are the winners and finalists tonight.’
