2009 Radio Mercury Awards Announces Unprecedented Panel of Creative Visionaries

Modernista's Lance Jensen and Mike Shine of BSSP Join Group of Industry Heavy-Hitters Tapped to Recognize Radio Ads that Dared to "Break the Rules"

Lance Jensen, Chief Creative Officer & Founder, Modernista!, and Mike Shine, Executive Creative Director, Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners round out one of the best juries ever assembled for the Radio Mercury Awards, the only award show devoted exclusively to Radio creative, taking place on June 17 in New York City. Led by Chief Judge Rick Boyko, Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Brandcenter and former co-president and chief creative officer of Ogilvy & Mather, this year's judging panel is comprised of industry leaders whose agencies' work is admired for excellence in creativity and innovation including: Bill Bruce, Kathy Delaney, Pete Favat, David Fowler, Jeff Goodby, Mark Gross, Mike Hughes, José Mollá, Mark Nardi, Bob Scarpelli and Joyce King Thomas. 

The Radio Mercury Awards will recognize the bold and unconventional commercials and campaigns that are ushering in a new era of creativity in Radio. Judges will determine the final winners in nine categories including two new awards: The $10,000 Integrated Radio Campaign Prize honoring the best use of Radio within an integrated multimedia plan. In addition, a committee of industry-insiders will select the Marketer of the Year to acknowledge the role marketers play in choosing to embrace Radio for its creative and brand-building capabilities.

"I'm looking for the commercials that drove creative down a path it's never been down before,” said Boyko.  “Radio is powerful way to create an emotional connection with consumers and it's important that we challenge ourselves to maximize this incredibly efficient and effective medium."

Launched in 1991, by the Radio industry, the Radio Mercury Awards is the nation's preeminent showcase of excellence in Radio advertising. Entries are accepted from advertising agencies, production companies, Radio stations and colleges.

"This year's jurors are true visionaries whose passion and dedication to transformation reflects the spirit of the Radio Mercury Awards,” said Jeff Haley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and Co-Chair of the Radio Creative Fund (RCF). "We're honored to work with a collection of industry pioneers who share our commitment to shine a light on the tremendous work in Radio and also recognize the potential for the advertising industry to be at the forefront of the current revolution in Radio." 

The 2009 Radio Mercury Awards will be held New York City at The Lighthouse, Pier 60. Entry deadline for the 2009 Radio Mercury Awards competition is March 20, 2009. Complete details are available at www.RadioMercuryAwards.com or by calling 212-681-7207. 

Final Round Judges and selected client list:
• Bill Bruce, Chairman, Chief Creative Officer, BBDO New York
• Kathy Delaney, President and Chief Creative Officer, Nitro
• Pete Favat, Chief Creative Officer, Arnold Worldwide
• David Fowler, Senior Partner, Worldwide Creative Director, Ogilvy & Mather
• Jeff Goodby, Co-Chairman and Creative Director, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
• Mark Gross, Senior Vice President, Group Creative Director, DDB Chicago
• Mike Hughes, President and Creative Director, The Martin Agency
• Lance Jensen, Chief Creative Officer and Founder, Modernista!
• José Mollá, Founder, Creative Director, la comunidad
• Mark Nardi, Creative Director, Hill | Holliday
• Bob Scarpelli, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, DDB Worldwide
• Mike Shine, Executive Creative Director, Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners
• Joyce King Thomas, EVP/Chief Creative Officer, McCann Erickson
 

TAG: About the Radio Mercury Awards:
The Radio Mercury Awards, the only competition exclusively devoted to radio, was established in 1992 to encourage and reward the development of effective and creative radio commercials.  The annual Radio Mercury Awards competition draws entries from advertising agencies, production houses, radio stations, and educational institutions across the country.  Approximately 16,000 commercials have competed for over $2.8 million in prizes.  The Radio Creative Fund (RCF), a non-profit corporation funded by the radio industry, governs the Radio Mercury Awards. Last year, the $100,000 Grand Prize was awarded to TBWA\Chiat\Day NY.

ANNCR VO: This message brought to you by the Radio Mercury Awards.