Abu Dhabi Classic FM’s ‘Kids’ Classics’ show has won the ‘Finalist Certificate’ at the New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards.

The daily slot, hosted by Damian Watson and targeting children and their parents on the school run, was classified as one of the six finest ‘Children/Young Adult’ radio shows in the world by a panel of international judges, said a statement.

Abu Dhabi Classic FM was the only UAE and GCC station to make it through to the finals round, it said.

Abdul Rahman Awadh Al Harthi, director of Abu Dhabi Radio, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with Abu Dhabi Classic FM’s achievement. It’s a wonderful milestone in the station’s short life, and the whole team should be very proud of their achievement. Congratulations to one and all.”

Known as the ‘World Cup of Radio,’ the NYF International Radio Program Awards honour the most innovative work in radio broadcasting, receiving entries from radio stations, networks, and independent producers from around the globe.

The Grand Jury selected finalists from entries submitted from more than 30 countries worldwide.

The entries were judged on production values, organization, presentation of information, creativity, and use of the medium.

Matthew Sansom, Abu Dhabi Classic FM’s head of Station who was at the awards ceremony in New York to pick up the certificate, said: “We’re thrilled to get recognition on this global stage. Huge kudos to Damian and to the rest of the team.”

“I’m just surprised that the great and the good of the radio world took so long to realise the comedic power of a producer called Ludwig who, when he isn't playing Lili Marlene on his Bontempi, is to be found conducting the traffic on Muroor Road,” said Watson.

“On a slightly less serious note, it does show that classical music can be fun for children, even if it does mean stretching the definition of 'classical' just a little bit by playing the Muppets theme every Thursday.  Well, it's jazz, isn't it?  Anyway, the Mini Classicists of the UAE are a wonderful bunch and they probably entertain me just as much as Ludwig entertains them,” he added.

Kids’ Classics is a frenetic fun-filled hour of well-known classical music, Disney theme tunes and much more. A daily competition and constant interaction with listeners engages children and their parents, said the statement.

Presented by Watson and his imaginary, lazy and incompetent producer ‘Ludwig’, the segment has garnered a very loyal listenership and prompts an avalanche of SMS messages from loyal listeners every weekday morning, it said. - TradeArabia News Service