Swords broadcaster wins at Ireland’s radio Oscars for unique programme

A Northside broadcaster helped Newstalk win nine gold awards at the 2020 IMRO Radio Awards which was broadcast via livestream on Friday last. 

Stephen Daunt who hails from Swords won a Gold award in the Community/Social Action category for the programme entitled ‘Living with a Disability.’

Stephen, who has a severe speech impairment, delivered a radio first on Newstalk using text-to-speech technology on-air.

Stephen has worked with Newstalk for thirteen years lives with cerebral palsy.

This IMRO radio award win follows soon after Stephen’s international win at the New York Radio Awards for the same programme.

The IMRO Radio Awards celebrate the best in Irish radio broadcasting and recognise those who have made contributions over the year.

The judging panel is made up of 106 industry veterans and independent judges, who listened to 673 entries, over 41 different categories.

Speaking following his win, Stephen Daunt sharded his delight.

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the Irish radio family,” he said.

“The programme’s use of technology shows it is possible to tell stories in new and exciting ways.

“Radio is all about storytelling and that is what was at the heart of Living with a Disability.

“Radio is also about taking risks and I want to thank my production team and Newstalk for taking the risk of allowing me present such a ground-breaking show.”