RJ Payal from Nagpur, Maharashtra, representing Radio City 91.1 FM, was lauded as one of the award winner for her commendable contribution to the theme “Paryavaran Ke Rakshak” – Climate Change – Jingle. This recognition was part of the fifth edition of the UNICEF India Radio4Child Awards 2024, which celebrated the exceptional efforts of 22 radio professionals from All India Radio, private FM stations, and community radio in raising awareness on routine immunization, climate change, and child protection issues. The prestigious awards were presented by renowned Bollywood actor and UNICEF India National Ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana, highlighting three key themes impacting children’s rights.
RJ Payal expressed her pride and gratitude, stating, “Proud to share that our efforts in advocating for climate change and child rights have been acknowledged by UNICEF’s Radio4Child Awards. Grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact.”
The Radio4Child Awards 2024 received 165 entries from 59 radio professionals across 20 states, reflecting a collective effort in amplifying messages that impact children. Radio4Child is a vibrant public-private partnership, bringing together radio professionals from all over India, while enhancing understanding of radio professionals on child rights.
Ayushmann Khurrana, addressing award winners and radio professionals, shared his journey as an RJ and emphasized his commitment to child rights. He praised radio professionals for their impactful work in reaching millions with vital messages, highlighting radio’s role beyond entertainment as a force for positive change.
Zafrin Chowdhury, UNICEF India’s Chief of Communications, Advocacy, and Partnerships, commended the Radio4Child (R4C) collaboration and the dedication of radio professionals in advocating for child rights. She emphasized the importance of radio’s longstanding influence in India, serving as an accessible and trustworthy platform for information and social engagement.
The entries were evaluated based on criteria of innovation, emotion, and messaging by a jury, comprising of former radio professionals from All India Radio, representative of the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI); senior members from civil society, SSDS , UNICEF NGO partner and columnists.
On the first day, over 60 radio professionals participated in a day-long capacity development workshop on Inclusive Early Childhood Development, Climate Change, and Child Protection – reflecting on the commitment to fostering innovation in radio programming for children’s issues.