The
Linda Gage Memorial Award
2000
For the fourth year running, entries were invited for short features which demonstrate entrant’s production skills and was open to anyone who was either on a recognised training course or who had recently completed such a course. This year has seen a record number of entries from students at colleges and universities around the country.
The winner this year is Jenny Simmonds, a student at Farnborough College of Technology (Hampshire).
Her feature “Student Radio – Training Ground or Playground” was, in the opinion of the judges “very well mixed with good management of levels coming from various sources. There was excellent use of music and a strong variety of interviewees. The actuality was well recorded and mixed in. Editorially, it was very well put together, argued and delivered – a good script. Very good presentation as well.” (Click here for the judges comments in full).
Jenny’s prize is a portable mini disc with microphone, a years subscription to The Radio Magazine and a place at the Radio Festival in Glasgow.
The Linda Gage Memorial Award 2000 was supported by the Radio Academy, IRN, The Radio Magazine and Action for Airtime Ltd.
Jenny received her prize at the Radio Festival in Glasgow. Pictured with her are Larry Grant (Linda Gage's widower) and Bill Morris (Radio Academy Chairman).
The Linda Gage Memorial Award 2000
Judges Comments
This is the fourth year the competition has run and has attracted a record number of entries from colleges and universities around the United Kingdom. The brief was to produce a short radio feature that makes creative use of the medium of sound and demonstrates the entrant’s production skills.
The judges are looking for pieces that are well produced. Technically this takes into account editing, mixing, levels and the overall quality of recorded sound. Creative production is important and the use of music and sound effects should add to the piece. Presentation is vital – it should be lively, authoritative and tell the story.
The judges also look for strong editorial content. The
story should have a strong cue that grabs the listener’s
attention and puts the piece in context, and the actual piece should
have a hook at the beginning, a middle and a conclusion. Interviewees
should be relevant to the subject.
This Year’s Competition
This year a record number of entries were received
covering a wide range of topics. Whilst a few were imaginatively and
creatively produced, many were quite conventional. Some either tried
to pack too much information within the time or lacked a focus or
firm conclusion.
The judges echo previous judge’s comments with
regard to presentation. It cannot be stressed too much how important
presentation is. Radio is about communication and the presentation
should involve the listener. It is not just about clear diction, pace
or correct pronunciation, but making the listener feel that the piece
is being spoken specifically to him or her.
The judges have chosen as the winner of the Linda Gage Memorial Award this year – Jenny Simmonds. Her entry “Student Radio – Training Ground or Play Ground” was well put together, argued and delivered. There was excellent use of music and strong variety of interviewees. Actuality was well recorded and mixed in. The presentation was very good.
Nick Hirst
July 2000