Joy FM last Saturday emerged as the second best radio station in Africa at the maiden edition of the BBC Africa Radio Awards. The award is given to the station that best serves its listeners' needs through the breadth and variety of its programming, balanced, impartial news reporting and local interests. Entrants had to demonstrate how they go beyond normal programming to make a difference to listeners' lives. Details Available here >> 27-year-old South African based Talk Radio 702 beat Joy FM to pick up the topmost award-Radio Station of the Year. Joy FM has been in existence for just a little over a decade. The station's News Editor, Matilda Asante also won the “Local On-air Campaign” award, a category designed to honour stations that have carried out or supported a social campaign or initiative that has had a positive effect on the lives of the listening community that the station serves. The pathetic story of the eight year old girl who was allegedly raped by her 67 year old paternal grandfather got the station the award. The story brought the incidence of child rape to the nation’s attention and resulted in criminal charges against the grandfather. Judges commended Joy FM for raising thousands of dollars towards the little girl’s treatment. The “Local On-air Campaign” award comes with a trophy and $5,000 worth of equipment of the station’s choice. Matilda Asante was thankful to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative for bringing the little girl’s plight to light. Ms Asante was also thankful to government for taking prompt action when the issue came up. She said the award once again underscores the station’s commitment to social responsibility causes. The station won another award last year - the NAB International Award from a US based international broadcast media association for its immense support for orphanages and the annual Easter Soup Kitchen which feeds thousands of street children. Another Ghanaian radio station, Citi FM also won the “Best Interactive Show of the Year”. Uganda-based Radio Pacis, a community radio station won New Radio Station of the Year. Joy FM’s Programs Manager, Kofi Owusu and BBC West African Journalist of the year lost out to Esther Mbondo of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation in the News Journalist of the Year category. The BBC Africa Radio Awards ceremony was held at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Some other personality based awards went to James Mwangi Wokabi of Capital FM, Sports Journalist of the year and 17 year old Qaanitaah Dramat - Radio 786 of Cape Town, South Africa took home the prize for the Young Broadcaster of the Year. The BBC Africa Radio Awards, supported by the British Council is to recognise broadcasters and to celebrate their excellence with broadcasting colleagues and listeners alike. Judges for the competition commended the entries for their very high quality.