Countrywide wins 2020 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) star prize for broadcast (audio)

The “Climate Change and Irish Farming” broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1’s Countrywide has won the star prize for broadcast (audio) in the IFAJ 2020 Contest beating off the competition from around the world. Within the broadcast, Damien with a panel of contributors asked how we can protect the environment, wildlife, farm incomes & food supply in the climate emergency.

Producer Eileen Heron was also commended for her work on the winning broadcast, first broadcast in May 2019. The Star Prize for Broadcast (Audio) recognizes outstanding audio content produced primarily for broadcast for radio, web or podcast by journalists in IFAJ member countries. This is the second year in a row that Countrywide has one this prestigious award and fourth time overall. BBC Radio journalist Anna Jones took the runner up prize in this category.

The judges noted the challenge of bridging the topic of climate change for an audience of both farmers and non-farmers, with one judge noting “I always appreciate Damien’s knowledge and willingness to ask difficult questions.”

Speaking of the win, Damien O’Reilly said “It was a lovely surprise to win the IFAJ award once again. And it is made even more special considering the calibre of judges who gave it the nod. Anna Jones of the BBC produces some great programmes so to have her on the podium beside us gives it even more prestige”.

LISTEN to the Audio here: https://www.rte.ie/radio1/countrywide/programmes/2019/0511/1048809-countrywide-saturday-11-may-2019/