Prince Radu: Radio - element that is part of fabric of Romanian society

His Royal Highness Radu, Prince Consort, stated on Friday that the public radio broadcaster in Romania is part of the "fabric of Romanian society," highlighting the fact that for almost a hundred years, the Royal Family has been very close to this "extraordinary blend of art, science, and communication."

Prince Radu attended the award ceremony for the winners of the 13th edition of the Grand Prix Nova International Radio Drama Festival, held in the garden of the Elisabeta Palace. The festival took place in Bucharest from June 15 to 20, enjoying since 2013 the High Patronage of Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown.

"Somehow, when Romanians talk about the Radio, they talk about one of the institutions that are part of their national identity, especially the National Radio, which is probably one of the oldest institutions in the country, apart from the Senate and Parliament. And secondly, because, in one way or another, in today's complicated external world, radio has managed to retain this wonderful charm (...) and that it is just a piece of eternity that you can touch with your soul, and I think that is something that many people appreciate," said Prince Radu.

He emphasized that in Romania, the Public Radio is also respected for the objectivity of its broadcasts, both in terms of culture, politics, and everything related to the military and sports. "And last but not least, very few people today, in a world faced with so many worries and disasters around us, have managed to bring people from all over the world together," added Prince Radu.

HRH Radu praised the presence in Bucharest, at the event, of so many professionals close to the radio, which proves their "commitment to the profession and to their belief in ideas."

As many as 24 radio theater productions from 15 countries were selected to compete for the Grand Prix Nova awards in one of the two competition sections: "Drama" and "Short Forms."

In the "Drama" section, the winners were, in order: Janko Hanushevsky ("Wildy tender is thy music"); Cristian Fierbinteanu ("The Political Music Show") and Flavio Stroppini ("Studio 4").

In the "Short Forms" section, the winners were: Nanna Hauge Kristensen ("Star Map"), Stefano Giannotti ("Once Upon a Time") and Maria-Lusie Tzikas ("Welcome to Belleville").

The winners of the "Descris" original screenplay competition were also announced at the gala, with the prize going ex aequo to Mihaela Michailov ("Cu capu'n nori") and Raluca Mirescu Ungureanu ("N-am fost dincolo").

The awards were presented by Czech artist and producer Katerina Rathouska, president of the jury, who was invited this year through a partnership with the Czech Center in Bucharest.

Dan Santa, director of International Relations at Radio Romania, attended the event on behalf of the public radio broadcaster.

The Grand Prix Nova international radio production competition consolidates with each edition the status of Radio Romania/The Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation
as a benchmark for radio professionals from all over the world.

Radio Romania was founded by decree of King Ferdinand I in 1926 and broadcast its first program in 1928, during the first reign of King Mihai. In 2013, the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation was awarded the Royal Decoration Nihil Sine Deo by King Mihai.