HOT 102.7 FM Shines Again at Global Radio Awards
Johannesburg, January 2025 –
Johannesburg-based radio station HOT 102.7 FM has once again been recognised on the global stage, with Managing Director Lloyd Madurai invited to the judging panel for the 2025 New York Festivals Radio Awards – widely regarded as the ‘Oscars of the radio industry’.
The New York Festivals Radio Awards honours radio content in all lengths and formats and across all platforms, from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from around the globe. Embracing all aspects of the radio and audio industries, the categories “mirror today’s global trends and encourage the next generation of story-tellers by recognizing innovators in 14 category groups”.
Recognising Excellence in Radio Across Diverse Categories
Those groups are: News Programs, News Reports/Features, Documentary, Entertainment, Talk Programs, On-Air Talent, Craft, Programming Format, Morning Drive/Afternoon Programming, Promotion Spots/Opens & IDs, Digital, Audio Books, Podcasts and Student.
“This is an incredible honour, particularly if one looks at the calibre of judges from around the world,” says Madurai.
“But, whilst it’s a huge thrill for me, personally, to participate as a judge, what’s even more important is that HOT 102.7 FM has made a big enough impact on this global platform to be recognised as an internationally-credible radio entity, and that just speaks to the quality of our product and the progress we’ve made in a little over three years of being on air.”
Lloyd Mudarai Joins Esteemed Panel of Industry Leaders
“All of us are thrilled that Lloyd is sharing his industry experience and he will truly be an asset,” said Gayle Seminara Mandel, Vice-President, Communications Director, Executive Director, AME Awards New York Festivals.
“Our distinguished jury is comprised of industry leaders whose deep experience and day-to-day immersion in the field make them uniquely qualified to evaluate excellence. As Managing Director of HOT 102.7 FM, Lloyd brings a wealth of expertise, perspective, and a keen awareness of evolving trends to the judging process.
His participation reflects the global trust placed in our peer-judging system, ensuring both fairness and integrity.”
Proudly Representing South Africa at the Global Radio Awards
HOT 102.7 FM first entered the New York Festivals Radio Awards in 2023 and was shortlisted in seven categories, before four of the station’s entries made it through to the final stage and were awarded ‘finalist’ status.
HOT 102.7 FM was the only South African radio station to feature at the New York Festivals Radio Awards and found itself alongside the likes of global heavyweights such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, Radio-Canada, RTE Radio 1 – Ireland, Sirius XM (USA), Sky (UK), and Virgin Radio UK.
A year later, the station was honoured in three categories, including a first nod for the new HOT 1027 Breakfast show – HOT 1027.FM’s flagship show.
HOT 102.7 FM Hoping for Continued Success at Global Radio Awards
“Obviously I won’t be judging categories where there’s a conflict of interest but am holding thumbs that HOT 102.7 FM is recognised for the third year running on this global radio platform, which would mean the absolute world to everyone here at the station and give us an accurate gauge of where we stand in the radio world.”
Madurai and his fellow judges will judge the entries online, with the shortlist revealed in March, and the New York Festivals Radio Awards winners announced at a gala event later in the year.
Final Thoughts
HOT 102.7 FM continues to make waves on the global stage, showcasing the station’s exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication to excellence in radio. As we await the results of the 2025 New York Festivals Radio Awards, we invite you to experience the magic of HOT 102.7 FM for yourself. Tune in today and be part of the journey with South Africa’s internationally recognised radio station.
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