The sponsorship of the Radio Awards was up for renewal at the end of the 2015 Awards, being the end of the second three-year contract period.
"MTN had the foresight to secure the title sponsorship of these awards and its sponsorship has been a key factor in the foundation, establishment and growth of these awards from inception in 2010 to maturity in 2015," says Richard Lendrum, MD of Future Group. "The Awards attract the participation of over 110 radio stations from all licensing categories and languages, across the entire radio industry and are well-established as the only industry-wide awards programme in South African radio. Entries are received from radio stations covering in excess of 98% of all South African radio listeners."
"MTN has always had a strong affinity for radio, and we attribute our successful launch to the use of radio as our core advertising platform," says Larry Annetts, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN South Africa. "The Radio Awards have facilitated on-going engagement with radio stations and personalities and we extend our thanks to the entire Future Group team who have worked so passionately to make this such a successful programme."
"With the contract being up for renewal for a third three-year tranche, and with our current marketing and media strategy, we reluctantly have to withdraw from these awards. We wish the Radio Awards team and the Future Group every success for the future of the South African Radio Awards programme."
