New York Festivals recently held their annual gala for their International Radio Program Awards. I would have loved to have attended this event, but I was out of the country at the time. Instead my daughter, Sarah Fielding, attended in my place. Sarah has been a contributor to the Times Union’s “This is College!?” blog and has interned for Seventeen and Nylon magazines. Sarah now interns at Bustle where she primarily writes articles for this site. Click HERE to read more of her work.

Here’s Sarah’s guest post about this event:

On Monday, June 19th the New York Festival’s International Radio Program Awards took place at the Manhattan Penthouse. Award recipients from countries across the world came together to celebrate the power of radio. The night was a frenzy of on and off storms that brought to mind the feeling of sitting by a fire, listening to the radio – a perfect backdrop.

The night started with a cocktail hour where honored guests had the chance to meet each other and the press. I had the privilege to spend a great deal of time chatting with Richard Golden, Special Assistant for Broadcast Operations and University Events at George Washington University. He was being awarded for his jazz radio featuring Louis Armstrong and Tony Bennett. From discussing his love of jazz to his appreciation for academia, Golden was clearly passionate about music and its role in his life.

The night became a time of education and appreciation. I learned that, in Sweden, creating radio programs for children, featuring light or heavy content, is very popular. At one point a Swedish woman brought her daughter onstage to mutually accept the award. The girl also spoke, stating an important reminder, “You need to tell our stories. We are the future.” Such an obvious point but one that can be greatly overlooked, especially in the world of radio, an older medium.

Eventually the rain cleared and, amidst the sunset, appeared a double rainbow. Everyone made a dash to the windows to capture the beauty coming over New York. It reflected the happiness that filled the room. Even as some recipients spoke in another language to receive their award, knowing minimal to no English, the feeling of community was strong.

Stand out awards included RTÉ Radio of Ireland being named New York Festivals’ Radio Broadcaster of the Year. “The Messenger” Behind the Wire was another stand out earning the Grand Award for its ten part podcast series. The program follows thousands of messages sent via burner phone by Abdul Aziz Muhamat who is a refugee detained on the Australian-run detention center on the Manus Island, Paua New Guinea to journalist Michael Green.

All in all, the awards reflected the state of each country, and the world as a whole, good and bad. It was inspiring, uplifting and thought provoking. I can’t wait to see what these clever minds come up with next.

Thanks Sarah! Click HERE to learn more about the award winners.