Nominations Revealed for IMRO Radio Awards 2023.

This morning the IMRO Radio Awards 2023 shortlist was revealed. Showcasing the best of radio from across the whole island, this year’s awards promise to be an unforgettable celebration. People across the radio sector will gather in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, on the 6th of October 2023 for the award ceremony. This year, over 110 judges across the sector dedicated their time and expertise to choose a list that represents the best of Irish broadcasting.  

There were over 130 nominations across the Independent Commercial Radio sector. Learning Waves would like to congratulate all the nominees on their outstanding achievements. The awards span 6 categories - Music, News & Sport, Speech, General, People, and Stations of the Year. Learning Waves members have been shortlisted across 37 categories.  The sector dominates in the General Music Programme, News Programme - Local/Regional, Current Affairs Programme - Local/Regional, On Air Competition/Promotion, Entertainment Inserts, Digital and Social Innovation, Music and Entertainment Presenter of the Year, Sports Broadcaster of the Year - Local/Regional, Speech Broadcaster of the Year - Local/Regional and The Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year with all those shortlisted in these categories working across the sector. Leading the way across the sector is Newstalk with a staggering 32 nominations, followed by Today FM with 13 nominations, Radio Kerry with 11 nominations, Spin 1038 with 8 nominations and 98FM, Galway Bay FM and FM 104 with 7 nominations each. 

Learning Waves 2022 Journalism Graduate Programme Graduate, Dónal Ryan, was nominated for two awards, Sports Broadcaster of the Year (Local/Regional) and The Gay Byrne Newcomer of the Year. Dónal Ryan began his placement with Ocean FM as part of the programme in September 2022 and has been working as a News and Sports Reporter ever since. These nominations reflect Dónal’s profound interviewing, reporting and presenting skills. Learning Waves would like to wish Dónal the best of luck! 

Among the nominees for Best Breakfast Programme of the Year were two familiar voices featured on recent episodes of the RadioTalks Podcast by Learning Waves. Niall Power received a nomination for Beat Breakfast, Beat 102 103. Niall featured on our 20 Years of Beat special with Gabrielle Cummins, CEO and Programme Director at Beat 102 103. Also, Rebecca Shekleton received a nomination for The Big Breakfast on 98FM. Rebecca offered advice to newcomers to the radio industry in a recent episode, focusing on how to become a radio presenter. Congratulations to Niall and Rebecca on their nominations. 

Celene Craig, Broadcasting Commissioner at Coimsiún na Meán, one of the Awards sponsors, commented: "Continuing the support of its predecessor, the BAI, Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to sponsor the IMRO Radio Awards this year. Radio remains a key sourse of information for people and brings high-quality and diverse programming to listeners across the country. The IMRO Radio Awards showcases the creativity, talent and dedication of those working in radio to deliver such content. I'd like to congratulate all the nominess and with them luck on the Awards night." 

To see the full list of shortlisted entries, click here.