Cool FM, Downtown Radio, and Downtown Country pick up radio award accolades

It was a night to remember for the Cool FM, Downtown Radio, and Downtown Country teams (Bauer NI) with two accolades at the prestigious IMRO awards

The event – to recognise the very best in Irish radio broadcasting – was held for the first time virtually because of the covid pandemic.

The cream of the radio industry across the island was shortlisted in a total of 41 categories in an awards event simply known as the Irish radio equivalent of the Oscars.

Organisers said this year there was a “spectacularly high” level of entry.

The news team received nominations in two categories.

Reporter Sarah McKinley picked up a Silver in the Gay Byrne Newcomer category while the news team was shortlisted in the news bulletin category

Head of News & Sport, Nigel Gould, said it was a superb achievement for Sarah and indeed for the news team as a whole.

“I am delighted and really proud of this young team – three of them Chelsie Kealey, Chloe St John and Sarah, herself, only joined us in January,” he said.

“Sarah’s Silver was very much the icing on the cake.

“We have had some incredible award nights and picked up a number of honours along the way during my seven years – but this one is extra special given the very strange circumstances with the covid pandemic.”

Elsewhere, Stuart Banford received a Bronze in the Specialist Broadcaster of the Year while Cash for Kids was shortlisted in the social/community category.

Managing director David Tighe said: “To be shortlisted in these awards is a great achievement in itself.

“The fact that Bauer NI had four shortlists is remarkable.

“Huge congratulations to both Sarah and Stuart who picked up two of the honours on the night.