2MFM a Multi-Award Winner

Excellence in Community participation and Excellence in Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting.

The Muslim Community Radio 2MFM 92.1, was awarded two prestigious national awards in two categories by the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, at the 2013 CBAA Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday November 16, at The Menzies in Sydney.
multimedia/interviews/2013/2013_awards.mp3
{gallery}CBAA_AWARD_2013{/gallery}

The evening, hosting 300 attendants from the sector, started with a high for 2MFM as the CBAA MC announced the Muslim Community Radio as the winner of the 2013 Excellence in Community Participation Award, among five finalists. Then, sooner than was expected, the Muslim Community Radio was called to the stage once again to receive anther award just before the evening’s intermission; this time for the 2013 Excellence in Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting“““.

2MFM President Mohammed Mehio said: “Both these awards reflect the organization’s commitment to actively seeking and encouraging the participation of the plethora of linguistically and culturally diverse groups in the Muslim community of Sydney. “I thank all the community organizations for their engagement with 2MFM and particularly the participation of Darulfatwa-the Islamic High Council of Australia, who have supported our ability to reach the Sydney Muslim community in many ways”.

The awards were presented before a prestigious audience including representatives from, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the CBAA, the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council (NEMBC), Community Radio Network (CRN), Australian Music Radio Music Project (AMRAP), the Community Media Training Organization (CMTO), Community Broadcasting Online (CBOnline),a host of sponsors, and representatives from close to 50 community radio stations across Australia.

In her speech accepting the Excellence in Community Participation Award, 2MFM Vice President Mona Hwalla thanked the CBAA for recognizing the efforts of the Muslim Community Radio, in actively seeking the participation of the Muslim Community, as evidenced in both the awards won. She reassured the sector of 2MFM’s continued commitment and acknowledged the Muslim community’s support.“The Muslim Community Radio is a multilingual multicultural radio station licensed to meet the religious and social needs of the Muslim community in Sydney.

“Performance-wise, in 2006 according to a McNair Ingenuity survey, we were the first on the minds of Muslims in Sydney; and in 2010 we were the most listened to among the radio station who serve a similar audience”. Ms Hwalla acknowledged the hard work of the 2MFM members, volunteers, staff and long list of community organizations who have participated in enabling 2MFM to maintain its many services mentioning live internet streaming, digital broadcasting, and activity on social platforms, as some of them. “All this takes a lot of work”,she said, “hence, this award is for the Muslim community, received by 2MFM”.
In accepting the second award, 2MFM Head of Programming, Faten El Dana OAM also thanked the CBAA and the judging panel for recognizing the efforts of 2MFM for actively seeking and involving ethnic, multicultural and new-emerging communities at their station.

“We believe that it is through our ongoing commitment to community engagement and participation that important multicultural issues like the burial-crisis project, and other similar projects will receive deserving attention, to inform and meet the needs of multicultural communities.” Mrs El Dana Added.

ACMA’s community radio licensing representative, Steve Atkins praised the Muslim Community Radio and recognised its combined efforts. He said: “It’s a well-deserved award. You do such a good job out there and you’ve put in such a big effort over the last few years. So, congratulations to you all for a job well done”.

The CBAA president, Adrian Basso was equally impressed with the efforts and win of 2MFM. Commenting on the multi Award win, he said: “Community radio is about access and participation within the community and I think this award acknowledges the great contribution [2MFM] is doing. It’s a fantastic achievement. “Also, winning the Excellence in Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting Award highlights your achievements across all other stations.“Again congratulations, you’ve won two awards tonight. Well done.

The Chief Executive Officer of the community media training organisation Nicola Joseph delivered the following congratulation words: “it’s very unusual for any station at the CBAA to win 2 awards and I think it’s a mark of the wonderful achievements that have happened and the fact that you put so much energy in making sure that the broadcasters and producers are not only engaged with the community but are really doing programs at the highest level of excellence. In particular, I think the award that was around the difficulty that people have for the Muslim community in finding burial sites, it’s just an amazing insight into what it’s like to be a Muslim Australian.”

CBAA Membership Manager, Amy Moon said about 2MFM winning two awards: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t be happier to hear the news about it. I was so happy when I found out, I shed a tear of joy, because I know how hard everyone at 2MFM works. So, for excellence in community participation, not just for the community at the station but for all your community of listeners; it’s just phenomenal. “And excellence in ethnic and multicultural broadcasting is so important. “Being at your event in 2012 and seeing all the wonderful ethnic groups who are represented on 2MFM, I’m so happy for all of them. “It’s just such an amazing testament to all the hard work that all the volunteers do. Congratulations.”

The Muslim Community Radio is familiar with the thrill and value of winning such national awards from the sector’s peak representative body, the CBAA.

2MFM won its first CBAA Award in 2000 –for Contribution to Ethnic Broadcasting, and its second in 2006 – for Best/Innovative announcement, Sponsorship or Promotion Award.

Other awards won by 2MFM include: 1998 Australia Day Award, NEMBC Best live to air program presented by women and the CRC National multicultural marketing award.

Station Manager, Mr. Khayat said: “Like the previous awards won, these two latest awards will continue to inspire our team and our volunteers to work harder to serve the community”.

PRESS RELEASE
20/11/2013