Radio New Zealand International has won the prestigious International Radio Station of the Year Award at the Association for International Broadcasting ( AIB ) Media Excellence Awards announced in London today.

The AIB represents more than 25,000 public and commercial radio and television professionals worldwide and the annual awards recognise the very best in international broadcasting.

Highly commended runners-up for overall station of the year were the BBC World Service and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks-Radio Sawa.

In announcing the award the judges noted that the result was clear cut:
“ Radio New Zealand International, targeting the Pacific, has proved it has the ability, clarity of vision and resources to deliver something that is valued by audiences throughout the region.”

Radio New Zealand International also won the Most Innovative Partnership category ahead of Radio Australia, Radio Canada, and Zonemedia Romantica.

The two awards were accepted on behalf of Radio New Zealand International by the New Zealand High Commissioner to London, the Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt.

Commenting on the announcement, Radio New Zealand Chief Executive, Peter Cavanagh, emphasised the importance of the work of Radio New Zealand International for Pacific nations:
“ These awards are a great honour and a wonderful tribute to the hard work and dedication of the small team that make up Radio New Zealand International. This has been a turbulent year for the Pacific and our media coverage has played a critical role in reporting events in Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands to wider international audiences.

“ With the continuing political and social instability across the region – and increasing pressure on the editorial independence of local news media – Radio New Zealand International is now clearly regarded as the authoritative voice of the Pacific, ” Mr Cavanagh said.