Kids’ Classics show up for international radio award

Abu Dhabi Classic FM’s children segment has been nominated for a New York International Radio Program Award.

Damian Watson presents Kids’ Classics for Abu Dhabi Classic FM at Abu Dhabi Media. Christopher Pike / The National
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Abu Dhabi Classic FM’s children’s programming has been nominated for a prestigious award at the New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards.

The hour-long Kids' Classics segment hosted by Damian Watson, which is broadcast at 6.30am from Sunday to Thursday, is one of six finalists in the Best Children/Young Adult Program category.

Gold, silver and bronze awards will be handed out during a gala ceremony in New York City next month.

Expected to attend is Matthew Sansom, the station manager of Abu Dhabi Classic FM, owned by Abu Dhabi Media, which owns and publishes The National.

“We are finalists and that is a great feeling” he says. “Really the credit should go the host, Damian Watson, for coming up with such a fantastic and innovative concept.”

Kids' Classics began three years and is described by Sansom as " a show within a show". It features Watson and his fictitious, incompetent producer, Ludvig, who play an hour of popular orchestral pieces, including music from Disney films and other children's favourites. The show has built a loyal following with listeners often texting requests.

“Damian has created a wonderful world that has captured the imagination of listeners both young and old,” says Sansom. “Ludvig, a raft of nicknames for regular listeners, a unique blend of music plus some in-jokes for the grown-ups, has made for a wonderful hour of radio.”

Despite its quirky nature, Sansom says the programme is in line with Abu Dhabi Classic FM’s overall strategy, which aims to make classical musical more accessible to everyone.

“As a station we try, especially during breakfast and drive-time, to be as populist as possible,” he says. “We want classical music to be inclusive. We want it to entertain and not be stuffy at all, and as much fun for everyone in the family.”

Tune in to Abu Dhabi Classic FM on 91.6 Abu Dhabi, 105.2 Al Ain and 87.9 Dubai. For more details, visit www.abudhabiclassicfm.ae. For more information about the awards, visit www.newyorkfestivals.com