Learning Waves receives Outstanding Achievement Award at IMRO Radio Awards 2021.

On Friday 1st October 2021, Learning Waves was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the IMRO Radio Awards 2021.  The awards ceremony recognises the very best in Irish Radio broadcasting and those who have made contributions over the year.  The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented by IMRO Radio Awards Committee Chairperson, Chris Doyle to Learning Waves Project Manager, Teresa Hanratty. 

Speaking about the award, Chris said, 'like many the arrival of Covid has had a significant impact on how Learning Waves conducted its training and it has also changed the type and nature of training required by the sector.  The pro-active response by Learning Waves saw the range of training expanded to deliver fresh and relevant offerings for the new normal environment that the sector found itself in as well as moving all courses and training online. This dynamic response and the assistance provided by Learning Waves to stations applying for the BAI Sound and Vision Covid fund was invaluable, this training helped the majority of stations receive the maximum amount of funding available, a great success and support for stations during a time of financial hardship and uncertainty. It is for these reasons that the IMRO Radio Awards Outstanding Achievement Award for 2021 goes to Learning Waves for its response to the Covid crisis'.

The award was presented to Learning Waves Project Manager, Teresa Hanratty.  In her acceptance speech Teresa said she was 'both honoured and humbled to accept the award on behalf of Learning Waves, the training body for the Independent Radio Sector in Ireland. A journey that began in April 2004, when Learning Waves received funding for 9 months but thanks to the support of the radio stations and sales houses, and of the BAI, and Skillnet Ireland, Learning Waves is about to mark 18 years of working with the sector, something that Learning Waves is very proud of.  Teresa thanked the Learning Waves board members, past and present, for their dedication, commitment and support over the last number of years and particularly during Covid.  It is a sector, she said, that she is extremely proud to work in, a sector that is resilient, one that connects, one that truly makes a difference in people's lives and one that gives a voice to people all over Ireland. She also paid tribute to her family and friends who have been a constant support to her.  Teresa concluded by wishing all in the sector continued success, citing that the award belongs to everyone in the sector, and she hopes that the sector continues to tell the stories that matter, plays the music that inspires and continues to be the voice for the people of Ireland for many years to come'. 

For the full list of 2021 winners go to www.imroradioawards.ie.