Welcome to the PPI Radio Awards 2008 – a celebration of the art and skill of radio production and programming. Since their inception 8 years ago, the PPI Awards have gone from strength to strength, with both entries and attendees increasing each year.

The impact of radio on all our lives is a significant one, and the PPI Awards salute the contribution of writers, broadcasters, producers, reporters, presenters and technicians alike, in informing, educating and entertaining listeners throughout Ireland. Last year we embraced the whole island of Ireland as Northern Ireland stations entered for the first time. This was a most welcome development and we look forward to continuing to enhance the Awards together with our colleagues in Northern Ireland radio for many years to come.

In radio, to stand still is to go backwards and the PPI Awards are no different. The organising committee constantly listens to Radio to see if changes should be considered. In response to requests, this year we are introducing two new categories – D5 “The Innovation Award” and E3 “News Reporter of the Year”.We are also introducing a Silver and Bronze award in each category in addition to the winner.

This year we have also made some changes to existing categories. In Group F – the Station of the Year categories, entries this year must include 2 pieces of audio: a “best of” compilation and a compilation taken from a specific date (which will be notified retrospectively). The definition of Category B2 – “News Programme” has been widened to include extended news bulletins. Also, the duration of a number of categories has been changed, so make sure to check the submission criteria for your category very carefully. The rules regarding the production of the audio entry have been made a bit clearer.

The closing date for your list of entries on-line this year is Monday 28th July 2008 and the closing date for the receipt of the actual entries on CD is Thursday 31st July 2008. To qualify, entries must have been broadcast between 1st August 2007 and 30th June 2008.

Perhaps the boldest change to the Awards this year will be the venue:we say goodbye to The Burlington which has served us so well over the years and say hello to Lyrath House Estate Hotel in Kilkenny – a delightful venue.We look forward to welcoming you there on Friday October 10th.

The shortlist of finalists in each category will be announced on Friday September 19th and as always the winners will be a closely guarded secret until the awards ceremony itself!

A great party is promised! We look forward to receiving your entries.

Dick Doyle Chief Executive, PPI
Michael O’Keeffe Chief Executive, BCI