It’s three-in-a-row for Waterford’s WLR!
The station has become the first local radio station in Ireland to be awarded the title of IMRO ‘Local Radio Station of the Year’ for the third consecutive year!
Champagne corks were popping across Waterford on Friday evening as the news filtered through of the huge achievement for WLR, judged top of local stations across 32 counties.
Presented by Dermot Whelan from Today FM, the IMRO Radio Awards ceremony took place virtually with many of Ireland's well known radio presenters, producers, programme staff and radio station heads watching live.
The awards are in their 21st year and celebrate the art and skill of radio production and programming.
Joy over Station of the Year accolade for WLR
WLR’s achievement in winning the ‘Local Station’ title for the third year in a row is a massive coup for the station and according to Programme Director Michael Byrne, a testament to the staff’s commitment to making great radio.
"This award acknowledge the hard work, dedication and creativity of all our crew who serve our listenership on air and online day in and day out. The last 18-months has been challenging but we have seen major increases in our digital numbers as well as our listenership numbers in that time. We have produced excellent content that has connected with our listeners.”
Over 90 judges this year took part this year, all of them drawn from the radio industry, north, south and across the water.
WLR’s Managing Director Des Whelan said the WLR win was an award for everyone involved in the radio station.
"I am delighted that WLR was chosen as number one out of all the local stations in the 32 counties and particularly as this award is judged by our peers in the radio sector," he said. "This success also shows the commitment of our team, who daily produce the best radio in Ireland for our listeners in Waterford. We're all absolutely delighted.”
A great night of awards for WLR
WLR was nominated in seven categories this year and won five other awards.
The news team, headed up by Julie Smyth with Aoife Kearns, Jordan Norris and Eoghan Dalton won Gold for Local /Regional News Programme for News at 1, Damien Tiernan and Jennifer Long won Silver for best Local / Regional Current Affairs Show with the award-winning Deise Today. Nigel Kelly won Bronze for best Sports Story for From Carrick the Champs Elysees. Karen Tomkins won Gold for the second consecutive year for best Short Feature with Big Breakfast Little Stories. There was further celebration for Deise Today's Damien Tiernan who was announced as Speech broadcaster of the year (Local / Regional).
Team WLR would like to dedicate the award to their listeners and advertisers who have supported the station throughout the years.
