Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: WHYY Entry Title: Peak Travel Radio Special - Communities Fight Back Entry Credit: Tom Grahsler, Tariro Mzezewa, Michael Olcott, Michaela Winberg, Bibiana Correa Judge Comment: A special edition of WHYY’s Peak Travel show provides an excellent portrayal of the complexities of communities familiar with tourism. The sound design in the Maui segment, in particular, creates scenes that place listeners in the middle of the heartbreak felt by Maui’s residents after the Lahaina wildfires. Several voices and perspectives come together to convey the issues and solutions that travelers can consider as they plan trips to popular destinations.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: RMWorldTravelConnection Entry Title: RMWorldTravel - America's #1 Travel Radio Show | 10 August 2024 Entry Credit: Robert Carey, Mary Carey, Rudy Maxa, RJ Carey, Valerie B Selig Judge Comment: This radio show does well to foster a relevant conversation about traveling while considering realistic concerns such as inflation. The wide range of guests provides useful, personalized advice, and the segment about Captain Theresa Claiborne was especially inspiring and fun. Hosts Robert and Mary Carey consistently maintain natural conversations that keep any listener engaged.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Rick Steves Europe Entry Title: Travel with Rick Steves: “South Wales; Two Years in Kazakhstan; Global Empty Spaces” Entry Credit: Rick Steves, Tim Tattan, Donna Bardsley, Kasmira Hall Judge Comment: This episode of Travel with Rick Steves gives listeners a useful insider’s guide to a rich blend of destinations, from southern Wales and Kazakhstan. As the host, Steves is a natural who guides his guests through conversations that provide meaningful context and depth to a place. Listeners are sure to come away knowing more history about that destination on their bucket list.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Annita Thomas Entry Title: Hawaii Culture and History on Molokai Entry Credit: Annita Thomas Judge Comment: This episode lifts up residents of Molokai to educate listeners about some of the culture and customs of their island. The voices of residents are rightly centered throughout the episode, with much respect and consideration for the history and cultural sensitivities travelers should keep in mind on a visit.
