An unpaid newcomer to radio, Katey Wallace, who broadcasts on local community radio station Radio Teesdale has been nominated for one of the radio industry’s most prestigious awards. Katey broadcasts five times a day on Radio Teesdale and has had no broadcasting experience before that yet has been nominated alongside four other presenters from national and regional stations. Katey was described by the judges as: “funny, original, likeable and listenable. The dream combination: Katey is completely herself- a truly rare commodity. Destined for great things.”
Despite building up a loyal following on Radio Teesdale, Katey is stunned by the attention and the new is taking a while to sink in. “It’s totally overwhelming and everyone has been so supportive and pleased for me, I can’t thank them enough. I have no idea how I’ve got this far, but it’s really exciting.”
Radio Teesdale Station Manager Peter Dixon is thrilled for Katey. “Katey was shortlisted because she is a total natural, warm, funny and really talented and she broadcasts, not because she is being paid, but because she enjoys it and wants to support her local community.”
The 2009 Sony Radio Academy Awards Nominations were announced by Johnny Vaughan and Lisa Snowdon. The shortlist for the Award includes some famous names that have recently made their radio debuts, as well as a whole host of fresh-faced newcomers.
Chris Evans, Radio 2’s multi award-winning Drivetime presenter, will host the 27th Sony Radio Academy Awards, the radio industry’s most prestigious award ceremony, to be held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on the 11th May. The Sony DAB 'Rising Star' Award aims to turn the spotlight on fresh radio talent. The 2008 winner was BBC 6 Music’s George Lamb beating off stiff competition from the likes of Kelly Osbourne (Radio 1). Katey's category is the people's choice award, meaning that listeners can vote for their favourite new broadcasters.
“We are expecting that listeners around the country will be tuning into Radio Teesdale to listen live on: www.radioteesdale.co.uk” says Peter Dixon.
“We are urging everyone to please vote for Katey now on http://risingstar.sony.co.uk/. She is such a talent and really modest too. We would love to see her recognised for all her hard work.”
WATCH A LIVE WEBCAST OF CEREMONY ON MONDAY 11TH MAY @ 7PM HERE
Unpaid newcomer shortlisted for Oscar - Press Release
Sony DAB Rising Star Nominations 09 Announced - ilikemusic.com
Dale Radio Presenter up for "Broadcasting Oscar" - Teesdale Mercury
Radio's Rising Stars - Sony: The Magazine
Nominations Annouced for the 27th Sony Radio Academy Awards - Sony Radio Academy Awards
Volunteer DJ tunes up against national talent - The Northern Echo
Chris Evans Nominated for Two Sony Awards - The Sun
Sony DAB Rising Star Nominations - News of the World
Catch a Falling Star - The Guardian Media Monkey
For the Record - The Independent
Sony DAB Rising Star Nominations - News of the World GadgITs
Nominations for the 27th Sony Radio Academy Awards - Community Media Association
Vote for you favourite rising star of Radio - Mirror.co.uk
