The wait is over. We’re proud to announce the winners of KCRW’s 6th annual 24-hour Radio Race.
When we released this year’s theme, The New Normal, we encouraged the 250 teams from around the world to interpret it in whatever way felt most relevant to them. The stories were heartfelt, funny, enlightening, weird and, at times, very personal.
Thanks to the independent producers who gave it their all. We were truly impressed by your work.
After announcing the top ten finalists last week, KCRW sent that batch of submissions over to a panel of audio industry judges: Vanessa Lowe, host of Nocturne, Jenna Weiss-Berman, co-founder of Pineapple Street Media, Sam Sanders, host of NPR’s It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders, Kathy Tu, host of WNYC’s Nancy and Madeleine Brand, host of KCRW’s Press Play.
The pieces were judged on creativity, storytelling, technical skill and incorporation of the theme: The New Normal. The winners will all receive cash prizes, plus one-year memberships from the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) and Public Radio Exchange (PRX). The pieces will air on KCRW at 2 p.m. September 21. You can stream the special program online at kcrw.com.
First place
Team: Arroyo Parkway Productions
Prize: $1000
Matt Livadary won us over with this beautiful tribute to his father, Paul, who has Alzheimer’s.
Matt’s about to get married but he needs something from his dad beforehand. So he drops by and records the whole encounter. Not only is this story deeply personal, but it also sheds light on what it’s like to be a part of the growing sandwich generation.