The online environment of Rádio Junior, operated by EBU Member Czech Radio, has won European Award for Best Content for Kids – tackling head-on the challenge of how to become more relevant to young people.

The award was presented by the Czech National Safer Internet Centre (SIC), a member of the international network INSAFE, in cooperation with the European Commission to coincide with Safer Internet Day on February 12.

Engaging young audiences is one of the biggest challenges broadcasters face today.

The key lies in understanding how to lure this highly connected tribe: Rádio Junior can be followed on TV, digital radio, satellite, cable television and Internet Protocol television (IPTV) as well as mobile applications; it also offers a pairs game application for Samsung Smart TV.

Rádio Junior Editor-in-Chief, Zora Jandová says the website was recently redesigned to include an innovative and more user-friendly interface.

“We pride ourselves on producing the highest quality content – entertaining programmes that are a safe place of discovery for young audiences,” said Ms J Jandová. “We want to cultivate their knowledge and skills, and at the same time offer content which is visually appealing. Rádio Junior can be a good companion for even the youngest listeners. This award is a clear sign that we are heading in the right direction.”

In addition to live broadcasts, Rádio Junior also offers young users an audio archive and an interactive recorder, that enables listeners to record and send an audio message. There is also a helpline and a space for kids to post questions on topics that they find intriguing.

Jiří Palyza, SIC Executive Director offered her congratulations: “We are very pleased with the success achieved by Rádio Junior and Webík at an international level,” she said. “This is a prime example of what a website for the young internet users should look like. The combination of catchphrases and humorous illustrations provides children with access to a world that is both safe and entertaining”.