NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 06/15/09 -- Today New York Festivals announced the Finalists for the 2009 Radio Programming & Promotion Awards. Now in its twenty-seventh year, the competition honors the most original and innovative work in radio broadcasting with entries from radio stations, networks and independent producers from around the world. This year's international Grand Jury selected 166 entries from 18 countries as Finalists in the first round.

Top honors went to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation who took the lead in the preliminary round with 14 Finalists, followed by SIRIUS Satellite Radio with 8 Finalists. Companies with multiple Finalists also include Radio Free Asia, Australian Broadcasting Corporation and RTE. All Radio Finalists will go on to the second round of judging to determine Gold, Silver, and Bronze award winners.

New categories were added to the 2009 competition as NYF's Radio Awards continues to evolve with consumers and technology. Finalists announced in the Online and Satellite categories include: Radio Mitre, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Oprah Radio and UNICEF Radio.

Leslie Rasimas, Executive Director of New York Festival's Radio Programming & Promotion Awards, commented on this year's competition. "Each year we continue to receive work that sets the bar higher in the radio industry. This year's Finalists represent the best work. The competition received more entries than any previous year. Our jury continues to grow by representing more countries where radio is so relevant. These Finalists stand out for their superior work and should be recognized worldwide for their craft."

Grand Jury member Mark Travis, senior producer, The WFMT Radio Network, Chicago, said, "It was inspiring to hear what other colleagues around the world are doing. If anyone thinks that the broadcast industry is in any kind of jeopardy, they should merely listen to any one program by any of the outstanding organizations who participated in this year's competition."

All entries in the 2009 competition were judged by the NYF Radio Programming & Promotion Awards Grand Jury consisting of radio experts from stations and companies around the globe. The jury represents the most recognizable voices and captivating programming producers in the medium of radio from 5 continents and over 30 countries. Entries are judged based on their production values, presentation of information, creativity and use of the medium. Each jury member listens to and scores entries through the NYF judging website. This process ensures each judge is allowed a personal environment in which to listen to each entry without distraction or influence from other jury members.

A complete list of the 2009 NYF Radio Programming & Promotion Awards Finalists is featured on the website at www.newyorkfestivals.com.

The 2009 Radio Programming & Promotion Awards winners will be announced later this month and all winning entries will be featured in the Showcase section of our website. All winning entries are promoted by our network of representatives in 84 countries around the world.

All press inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Gayle Mandel: gmandel@internationalawardsgroup.com. Ph: 1 212 643 4800

International Awards Group organizes advertising and programming competitions for the following brands: AME Advertising & Marketing Effectiveness Awards; Hive Awards for the Unsung Heroes of the Internet; Innovative Advertising Awards; Midas Awards for Financial Services Communications; The Global Awards for Healthcare Communications; NYF Advertising in All Media Awards; NYF Film & Video; NYF Radio Programming & Promotion and NYF Television Programming & Promotion.

Entries to each of the competitions are judged around the world by panels of peers in their respective industries. Founded in 1957, IAG and their brands now have representation in 84 countries. For more information, go to www.newyorkfestivals.com.

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