BBC Radio 4 Extra

Getting the Gongs

Factual

16/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Getting the Gongs

Steve Punt investigates the growing trend for industry awards ceremonies.

4 Extra Debut. From the law to car parking, comedian Steve Punt investigates the growth of the industry awards ceremony. From May 2009.

Steve Punt investigates the growing trend for industry awards ceremonies which may not be as well known as the Oscars, but which aspire to be just as glamorous and life-changing. 

Practically every week, some branch of industry holds its own awards ceremonies in a top class venue in the UK, complete with silver service dinner, champagne and celebrity guest speaker. The range of sectors represented is vast. There are awards for call centres, for people involved in designing packaging components and for people who get children to eat more seafood. And for the winner, there is the chance to get up on a podium, grasp a trophy and feel that, for one glorious moment, you are recognised by your peers as being the best. 

Steve goes behind the scenes to find out who takes part in awards ceremonies and why. He talks to the winners, losers and organisers, scrutinises the most curious categories and hears from awards presenters including Gyles Brandreth and Stephen K Amos. He looks at the people who contribute to awards ceremonies by making the awards themselves, or helping to write the category submissions. He also explores the human stories behind the growing lists of categories and gives a uniquely humorous insight into little-known industries with a growing trend for gongs.

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