Radiodays North America has unveiled this year’s award recipients, set to be recognized during Canadian Music Week (CMW).
The first annual Pat Grierson Sales Person Award recipient is Cheryl Foster from Stingray’s 93.5 Today Radio (CFXJ-FM) and boom 97.3 (CHBM-FM) Toronto. Named for the late broadcast sales veteran, the award offers a Canadian Radio sales professional a $5,000 cash prize for top notch performance, embracing new technologies and innovation, and leading by example. Foster has been with Stingray for the last decade, and has also held roles with Q107 (CILQ-FM) and CFGM-FM, among other agency work.
The 15th Annual Allan Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year Award goes to Luke Rodriguez from Virgin Radio (CFMG-FM) Edmonton. Presented in memory of programmer Steve Young, the award recognizes remarkable young broadcast talent. Rodriguez, who got his start in broadcasting volunteering with Cogeco Connexion in Peterborough, has been with Bell Media for more than 10 years, initially working in promotions with 105.7 EZ Rock (CHRE-FM), 97.7 HTZ-FM (CHTZ-FM), and Newstalk 610 CKTB. From there, he held on-air roles in St. Catharines, London and Kitchener, before joining 99.9 Virgin Radio (CKFM-FM) Toronto in 2019 as a weekend/swing announcer, later moving into the national music department for the Virgin Radio, Bounce Radio, Move Radio and CHUM 104.5 brands. Since 2022, he’s helmed afternoons at Virgin Radio Edmonton, filled in on mornings, and served as Assistant Program Director.
David Farrell of Billboard Canada/FYI Music News will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding career covering the music and broadcast industry for more than 50 years. Farrell published industry publication The Record for 20 years, before he co-founded FYI Music News, which was acquired by Billboard Canada last year.
Dave Charles, CEO of Media Results Inc., will be inducted into the Allan Waters Broadcast Hall of Fame as he celebrates six decades in broadcasting. Charles has worked with CJBQ Belleville, 1050 CHUM, Q107 and ELMNT FM in Ottawa and Toronto, among other stations across the globe. He’s also a past president of CARAS (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), helping grow the careers and promote the music of numerous Canadian artists worldwide.
As previously announced, Ivana Bombardieri of Montreal multicultural broadcaster CFMB AM 1280 is this year’s Rosalie Award honouree, presented by the Radio Trailblazers and recognizing individuals who embody the spirit of innovation, leadership, and compassion in their field. Bombardieri was instrumental in developing the first prototype for the 40+ ethnic radio stations in Canada.
Foster and Rodriguez will be recognized at the Radiodays North America Cocktail Reception on June 3, while Charles, Farrell and Bombardieri will be presented with their awards during the Radiodays North America Awards Luncheon on June 4.
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