Radio production lecturer’s dramas scoop two international awards

A University of Derby Media Production Lecturer is part of the Henchman Productions team that scooped two Bronze Awards at the New York Festivals’ International Radio Program Awards 2017.

Daithi McMahon, who will lead the new Radio Production degree at the University this year, produced and edited Left Behind and Matches. Each programme took home a coveted art deco inspired radio microphone trophy for the Best Radio Drama Special category.

Left Behind, written by Aisling O'Connor and Siobhan Clarke, is based on the stigma of unplanned pregnancy in rural Ireland, and Matches, written by Sean O'Connor, is a play about a man in his forties negotiating dating apps and sobriety in contemporary Ireland. 

This isn’t the first time that Daithi and his team have been recognised by the New York Festivals International Radio Awards, after winning two gold and two silver awards in previous years.

Speaking after the award ceremony, Daithi said: "This is a great result considering the strength of the competition posed by public service broadcasters from all over the world including the BBC, NPR and ABC, to name a few. I'm very proud of the work my small but dynamic Henchman Productions team put into both projects.

“The trophies will be put on display at the University of Derby to act as a motivation for students to reach their potential.”

The New York Festivals International Family of Award Competitions, which also includes the International TV & Film Awards, has been running since 1957. The International Radio Program Awards are judged by award winning directors, producers, writers and various other radio industry experts from around the world, known as the Grand Jury.

The Awards Gala was hosted at Manhattan Penthouse in New York City. This year they selected the winners from 32 countries, and honoured the likes of BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live.