2018 is far from over yet and it’s already been a golden year for Belfast based Irish language radio station Raidió Fáilte.
The station has achieved a double accolade, being voted top ‘Station of the Year’ twice in six months at two separate prestigious broadcasting events.
In May they saw off some of the top names in radio broadcasting, including BBC and RTÉ, to scoop the top prize, ‘Station of the Year 2018’ at the Celtic Media Awards in Wales.
Last weekend they saw off the best talent in the community radio field to scoop ‘Station of the Year 2018’ at the Community Radio Awards in Sheffield.
Sheffield anocht. Raidió Fáilte "Stáisiún Raidió na Bliana", "Radio Station of the Year 2018" @raidiofailte @newbelfast @ErvineLinda pic.twitter.com/t6eM0URtZ9
— Fergus O' Hare (@Fergus_O_Hare) September 15, 2018
"We’re evidently having a good away season this year," says station manager Fergus Ó hÍr, still beaming after the gala event in Sheffield.
"Two top accolades in just 6 months is a tremendous fillip, especially as they come just as we’re moving into our new purpose built station.
"In our new station we’ll have facilities which will allow us to produce more programmes and better programmes as well to increase the amount of training and other benefits for the community.
"We believe that these two very welcome and appreciated prizes are a recognition of the hard work, dedication and talent of our team of workers and volunteers.
"We are determined to build on the talent, the inclusiveness, the quality, creativity, energy and passion which have been hallmarks of Raidió Fáilte since it began.
Indeed inclusiveness, quality and talent were among the strengths highlighted by judging panel at the Celtic Media Awards who cited, ‘the Raidió Fáilte entry stood out for its spirit; for the range of subjects covered; for its great programmes; for its connection with the community: for its understanding of the community: for its reporting from local events and festivals; for supporting local youth and other activities; for the range of presenters of every age; for the work of training future broadcasters’ and for its ambitious plans for the future.’
And judges for the Community Radio Awards, highlighted, ‘a distinctive station that has a very clear focus on the community it aims to serve. There is a good mix of light and shade showcased here, and involvement of both young and old.’
Raidió Fáilte broadcasts 24 hours a day.
You can listen at www.raidiofailte.com or in the greater Belfast area at 107.1fm.
