Abu Dhabi – June 30, 2015: Abu Dhabi Classic FM’s ‘Kids’ Classics’ show has been awarded a much sought after ‘Finalist Certificate’ at the world famous 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.

Abu Dhabi Classic FM was the only UAE and GCC station to make it through to the finals round. Abdul Rahman Awadh Al Harthi, the 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 honor 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. 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.’ 

Damian Watson commented ‘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,’.   

‘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.‘

The Gold Medal winner of the ‘Best Children/Young Adult Program’ was won by New Zealand’s CBA, the Silver Medal by Mexico’s Radio Educación and the Bronze by SiriusXM Satellite Radio from the USA. Picking up Finalist Certificates alongside Abu Dhabi Classic FM were Radio Television Hong Kong and the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company.

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. Presented by Damian 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. 

Abu Dhabi Classic FM broadcasts popular and accessible Classical Music throughout the day, Jazz music in the evening and Lounge at night. At weekends, specialist programmes include The Muse, an Emirati presented culture show, ‘Arabesque’, a programmed dedicated to instrumental Arabic Classical Music, and ‘Lights, Camera, Action!’ an irreverent movie theme and soundtrack show. 

The station is one of Abu Dhabi Media’s suite of diverse radio stations. It is the first Western classical music radio station in the Gulf region and launched in 2010. With transmitters in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai, and studios in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it’s the only English language radio station which can claim to have a Nationwide listenership and coverage.