ATLANTA, GA— Atlanta’s favorite radio stations saw their names in lights at this year’s Radio City Music Hall- themed Achievement in Radio Awards (A.I.R.) ceremony Thursday night. A broadcast competition and ceremony that celebrates excellence in local radio broadcasting, the A.I.R. Awards featured elegant live music, a sit-down dinner and a silent auction. Throughout the history of the Atlanta A.I.R. Awards, the radio industry has helped to raise $600,000 for the March of Dimes.

Radio personnel and sponsors alike gathered in the dazzling new InterContinental hotel ballroom in Buckhead as they eagerly awaited the presentations of the coveted microphone shaped awards. Judged by panels of radio professionals in the Philadelphia and Chicago markets, the A.I.R. awards recognize outstanding achievements in the industry and community and include various categories. After a special "kick-off" by the Doris Russell Rockettes and witty banter between the host Tim Wilson and radio personality presenters, the awards were presented as follows:

Lifetime Achievement Award

WLTM- Steve Goss

A- Best Commercial Spot by a Radio Station

WCNN- Test Drive Justice

B - Best Radio Advertising Campaign by a Radio Station

WKLS - Coyote Ugly

C - Best Spot That Never Aired

WFSH- Pump It Up

D- Best Public Service Announcement

WKLS- NAB Drunk Driving

E - Best Original Music or Jingle

WVEE- Frank Ski Morning Show

F - Best Station Sponsored Community Event

WSTR- Movies Under the Stars

G - Best On Air Audience Promotion

WBTS-Spiderman 2

H - Best Station Image Promo

WGST- Paul Harvey Neck Tie

I - Best Production / Creative Services Director

WWWQ- Andy West

J - Best Station Sales Rep / Account Executive

WDWD- Steve Bragg K - Best Station Website WSTR- www.star94.com L - Best Station Event or Program For Children Or That Benefits Children WKHX- St. Jude’s M - Best Breaking News Coverage WGST- Hurricane Ivan N - Best News or Public Affairs Interview WZGC-Falcons Rewind O - Best Sports Coverage WQXI- Brian Katrek P - Best Morning Show WWWQ- The Bert Show Q - Talent - Best Afternoon Drive WLCL- J.J. Jackson R - Best Non Drive Time WKLS- Fin on the Job S - Talent - Best New Talent WKLS- Fin on the job T - Talent - Best Individual Performance In A Radio Spot WDWD- Paradise Pastures U - Best Talk Show / Sports Talk Show Host WQXI- Stephen Steak Shapiro V - Best Newscaster WSTR-Rob Stadler W - Best Bit WQXI- National Spelling Bee X - Best Character WLCL- Sydell & Sons Funeral Home: The Ventriloquist Y- Best Parody Song or Commercial WLCL- Shower Stall Stingers- Wake Up Little Dream Team   Z - Best Live Endorsement WFSH- Johnsonville Sausage AA - Best Traffic Reporter WWWQ-Crash Clark   BB - Best Weekend Specialty Program WALR - Lost in the 80's

This year’s silent auction alone raised $13,000 for the Georgia March of Dimes. The donated items were in high demand as hundreds of sponsors and radio personnel perused row upon row of incredible auction deals. From special getaway packages to tasty wine gift baskets, the plethora of items donated by the Atlanta community and businesses were a huge hit! Some of the major items responsible for helping to raise the $13,000 included: a round trip pair of tickets from Delta Air Lines, a signed guitar by country music star Kenny Chesney and an autographed poster of the popular singer and performer Aaliyah.

The March of Dimes would like to thank the following sponsors for the 2004 A.I.R. Awards: Metro PCS, UPS, Delta Air Lines, Atlanta Magazine, Max2O Productions, Interep, Metro Networks, RCS Productions, Viacom Outdoor, Comcast Spotlight, Ford Motor Company, Creative Loafing, Arbitron, 360 Media, Katz Media, and Radio & Records.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies, and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

Media Contact: Tara Murphy/Jessica Garcia- 360 Media, Inc.- 404.577.8686- info@360media.net

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This year’s silent auction alone raised $13,000 for the Georgia March of Dimes. The donated items were in high demand as hundreds of sponsors and radio personnel perused row upon row of incredible auction deals. From special getaway packages to tasty wine gift baskets, the plethora of items donated by the Atlanta community and businesses were a huge hit! Some of the major items responsible for helping to raise the $13,000 included: a round trip pair of tickets from Delta Air Lines, a signed guitar by country music star Kenny Chesney and an autographed poster of the popular singer and performer Aaliyah.

The March of Dimes would like to thank the following sponsors for the 2004 A.I.R. Awards: Metro PCS, UPS, Delta Air Lines, Atlanta Magazine, Max2O Productions, Interep, Metro Networks, RCS Productions, Viacom Outdoor, Comcast Spotlight, Ford Motor Company, Creative Loafing, Arbitron, 360 Media, Katz Media, and Radio & Records.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies, and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.