
Freesat, the digital satellite TV service announces that this year’s Freesat Awards are now open for entries. Now in its second year, the awards celebrate the very best channels and services available on Freesat, showcasing the breadth of choice and quality of programming on offer.
A panel of key individuals from the broadcasting and media industry will review nominations in seven categories from Best Entertainment Channel to Best Specialist Radio Station and additionally select a winner for the Judges’ Special Award. Judges include Radio Times Editor, Ben Preston, The Guardian’s New Media Reporter, Jemima Kiss and GMTV Chairman, Clive Jones. See the full judging panel at: www.freesat.co.uk/awards
Across all categories, the judging panel will look for examples of innovative, original, high quality programming that has particularly entertained, informed and impressed the Freesat audience. This year’s categories are:
Viewers’ Choice: Freesat Channel of the Year (voting begins 26th April 2010)
This award will also be chosen by Freesat viewers, nominating the channel or service that is on their “not to be missed” list – the one they tell their friends about. It may be the channel or service that has provided their best TV or radio moment of the year, or is simply the one they love to turn on without feeling the urge to flick the remote. All Freesat channels and services listed on the Freesat Guide will automatically be entered into this category.
Best Entertainment Channel
We know the Freesat audience love our mix of brilliant TV, radio, high definition and catch-up, all subscription free. But which digital channel offers Freesat viewers consistent, quality entertainment right across their schedule? In this category the judges will review a representative sample of programming which both demonstrates the channel’s breadth of choice and showcases innovative content that makes it truly entertaining. Entries will be accepted from any channel regardless of their Freesat Channel Guide genre.
Best News Channel
In our fast-moving 24 hour society, reliable, authoritative news coverage is critical. The winner of this award will demonstrate a commitment to original journalism of the highest order and will aim to provide revelation and fresh insight. It will have moved on the agenda and debate, promoting new understanding through analysis or reportage. Entry submissions should relate to a single news or current affairs event.
Best Themed Channel
Across the Freesat platform there are a range of channels that focus on specific themes (e.g. programme genres, strands, formats and audiences) to provide their viewers with a channel that is truly differentiated. For this award, the judges will be looking for evidence of how a channel has been created around a specific theme and how the channel succeeds in taking it beyond the schedule and into other arenas (e.g. digital, events, partnerships).
Best Lifestyle Channel
There’s something for everyone when it comes to the specialist lifestyle channels available on Freesat. The winner in this hotly contested category will be able to prove that it delivers must-watch programming for its tightly defined audience, reflecting what’s important to them and their lifestyle – their interests, pursuits, vocations. The judges will also be looking for evidence of how this channel has carved out a niche to secure viewer loyalty. Entries will be accepted from any channel regardless of their Freesat Channel Guide genre.
Best Music Channel
The selection of TV music channels available on Freesat covers a large and diverse range of musical tastes, but which can claim to be the very best on offer? Whoever they are, they’ll need to prove originality with a unique mix of music and programme formats that best serve a loyal audience if they want to impress our judges.
Best Children’s Channel
This award will recognise and reward the channel that entertains, informs and excites its young viewers. This discerning Freesat audience is always looking for something new and exciting. Our judges will be looking for the channel that gives children innovative programmes, which build a loyal following and encourage viewer interaction.
Best Shopping Channel
Shopping from the comfort of your own home has to be the ultimate retail therapy. This award will go to the channel that the judges believe best represents the ultimate TV shopping experience. They’ll be looking for examples of where original formats and programmes consistently attract a loyal and committed audience across the diverse range of shopping opportunities available on the Freesat service.
Best Specialist Radio Station
Freesat offers a wide range of digital radio stations, which cater for tightly defined audiences. So, whether it’s news and sport, comedy, drama or music there’s something for everyone. This award will go to the station that best serves and truly understands its particular target audience. The judges will be interested to see evidence of integrated web and radio output, providing plenty of opportunity for listeners to get involved with their favourite station.
Judges’ Special Award
The judging panel for the Freesat Awards 2010 brings together a prestigious group of independent and authoritative industry experts. From senior executives and programme makers through to specialist digital commentators and journalists, they absolutely know what they’re talking about when it comes to the media. This award will go to the channel or service (from a shortlist selected by Freesat) which has made the biggest impact on our viewers and listeners in the last year.
Winners will be announced at the Freesat Awards ceremony in London on Friday 30th June in front of an invited audience.