Radio programmes that address global issues honoured by UN/New York Festivals Awards

A message of hope from a boy on the war-torn streets of Kabul, a profile of Danish efforts to help the elderly live the way they choose and an investigative story on the cruel reality of human trafficking are the winners of this year’s awards for outstanding radio programming presented by the United Nations as part of the 2013 New York Festivals Awards.

“Underground Trade,” illuminating the dark world of human trafficking for sex and labour, last night received the Gold Award for excellence in programming from the UN’s Department of Public Information (DPI) and New York Festivals.

Phillip Martin of Boston public radio station WGBH travelled across the United States and Asia to produce the three-part series.

The second-place, silver DPI award went to “The Oliver Twist of Kabul – The State We are In,” produced by Radio Netherlands Worldwide, which profiles 13 year-old Fouad, who has sold chewing gum and maps on the streets on the Afghan capital since he was five year old and who dreams of being a pilot.

“It’s Their Life – The Sunday Edition,” produced by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC), received the bronze award. It highlights initiatives in Denmark that provide alternatives to institutionalization for people living with dementia.

Jointly sponsored by DPI and New York Festivals, the awards were established in 1990 to honour exceptional radio programming that best reflects and exemplifies the values, aims and ideals of the United Nations.

“The power of radio to influence people’s beliefs and behaviour, and radio’s universal and egalitarian reach, makes it a very strong partner for the UN in addressing global issues,” Stéphane Dujarric, head of the News and Media Division of DPI said at last night’s ceremony.

He noted that the Organization produces its own radio programmes in eight languages and partners with broadcasters around the world.

The New York Festivals (NYF), founded in 1957, oversees three international awards competitions, NYF Radio Programs & Promotions Awards, NYF Television & Film Awards, and NYF Advertising in All Media Awards.