European Broadcasting Union 'Master School on Radio Features' student wins Gold for Best Feature at Sony Radio Academy Awards

Geneva, 10 May, 2011 - A radio producer trained by the European Broadcasting Union has won Best Feature at the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2011 for a programme she made during the fifth edition of the EBU Master School on Radio Features.

In declaring Katie Burningham the winner last night (May 9) in London, the judging panel said her project, called "Heel, Toe, Step together", was: "An incredible piece of radio, compelling, innovative and touching. This feature found the epic in the everyday, uncovering the richness of ordinary lives. Speech radio at it's very finest."

Broadcast on December 6, 2010, by BBC Radio 4, "Heel, Toe, Step together" is the story of an octogenarian dancer teaching 28-year-old Katie to waltz.

Katie said the nine-month EBU Master School on Radio Features, which she attended from 2009 to 2010, had provided crucial insights into how to improve the quality of her productions.

She said: "It was truly one of the greatest learning experiences I have had. I gained so much that benefits my radio work and beyond; learning to work with others, hearing other people's ideas, taking risks with my work - the list goes on. My assigned personal coach (award-winning Belgian producer) Edwin Brys was an inspirational mentor; I feel very fortunate to have worked with him and all of the EBU team."

The EBU Master School on Radio Features teaches young radio producers in-depth skills and techniques for audio programming, including research, storytelling, use of sound and music, recording, interviewing, distribution and promotion.

Head of EBU Training, Nathalie Labourdette, said Katie's award was a testament to the unrivalled standard of professional training offered by the European Broadcasting Union.

She added: "The EBU Master School on Radio Features is one of many courses EBU Training offers to broadcast professionals looking to improve their skills and gain a distinctive, creative edge in an increasingly competitive industry. For 10 years this course has trained over 60 young radio producers and propelled them upwards into an international class of professionals."