The Association for International Broadcasting announced the winners of its second annual global awards at a glamorous gala event in London on 22 November, 2006. Attended by senior executives, producers and journalists from TV and radio channels from five continents, the AIB Awards event rewarded the very best programmes and channels for international audiences across television and radio.
The Awards event was hosted by Barbara Serra, one of the London anchors of newly-launched Al Jazeera English and more than 100 guests celebrated the success of their colleagues from around the world.
There were nine categories in the 2006 AIB Awards, covering television, radio and technology; over 100 entries were received from international broadcasters in 20 countries, as well as a number of innovative technology suppliers who support international TV and radio stations.
The Award winners were:
Best coverage of a single news event radio
BBC World Service for South Asian Earthquake
described by the judges as most impressive in every respect
Best coverage of a single news event television
Sky News for London bombings
good content with excellent context for cross-border
viewers
Best magazine or documentary programme television
Al Jazeera Channel for Prisoner 345
content, suitability for international audience and
production values all very high
Best magazine or documentary programme radio
BBC World Service for Assignment Return to Sarajevo
stunningly vivid, extraordinarily powerful, impeccably
produced
Most innovative use of technology
Link Research for Link HD
the future for news and sports coverage
International channel of the year – television
BBC World
excellent coverage of stories, high presentation values
International station of the year – radio
SW Radio Africa
brave, an excellent independent alternative to Zimbabwes
state media
International presenter of the year – television
Simon Hobbs of CNBC Europe
polished, passionate, enthused
International presenter of the year – radio
Doug Bernard of Voice of Americas Talk to America
intelligent presentation and questioning, very polished,
with a smile in his voice
The AIB Awards were judged by international panels drawn from the broadcasting
industry ensuring peer review of programming as well as radio and TV
critics, representing the audiences perspective. Completely non-commercial, the
AIB Awards are the only celebration of success that exclusively focuses on
international, cross-border broadcasting.
The AIB Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for the Association to provide a
platform not only to celebrate success but also to share ideas, said Simon
Spanswick, AIB chief executive. The international broadcasting industry is
often more innovative and fleet of foot than its domestic counterparts, and the
Awards demonstrate the breadth of superb content thats on offer to viewers and
listeners throughout the world. We were delighted with the range and quality of
the entries which made judging extremely tough. Our judges are to be
congratulated on all their work, as are the winners and finalists tonight.
The AIB International Broadcasting Awards 2007 will be announced in January.