Finalists in The 2008 Radio-Mercury Awards.

The finalists in the 2008 Radio-Mercury Awards were announced, representing some of the hottest advertising agencies that participated in the $160,000-plus Radio creative competition.

The 2008 finalists comprise a wide spectrum of agencies, from industry heavyweights to independent shops, including TBWA\Chiat\Day NY; BBDO New York; DDB Chicago; Energy BBDO; Saatchi & Saatchi NY; Crispin Porter + Bogusky; The Richards Group; GSD&M; Wongdoody; BVK; Damman Pearce; and Leopold Ketel & Partners.

The Radio industry will recognize, honor, and reward the creators of the winning commercials during an invitation-only reception and awards ceremony at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills on May 21st.

“Doing great Radio has the highest degree of difficulty in the business, because the idea has no visuals to hide behind. When done right, Radio can be one of the most compelling media because the listener’s imagination is a part of the action,” commented Eric Hirshberg, President and Chief Creative Officer of Deutsch LA and Chief Judge of the 2008 Radio-Mercury Awards.

“The stellar array of advertising agencies in this year’s final round is indicative of the innovation with which today’s creatives approach Radio,” noted Jeff Haley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and co-Chairman of the Radio Creative Fund (RCF). “When you listen to the spots from this year’s final round of entries, you hear the freshness and imagination that comes from working in an audio-based medium.”

The complete list of finalists is available on the Radio-Mercury Awards website. Click here to view the list and listen to the spots.

In addition to the coveted $100,000 Grand Prize, the Radio-Mercury Awards competition includes thirteen $5,000 cash prizes: one winner from each of three new categories — Innovations, Entertainment, and Political; six general prize winners; and one winner each from the Radio-Station Produced, Spanish-Language, and Urban Categories.

The Public Service Announcement Category Award provides a $2,500 donation in the winner’s name to the charity of their choice. The Radio-Mercury Student Award grants $2,500 to the winning school, college, or university.

To view finalists CLICK on link below:
http://www.radiomercuryawards.com/rma/2008Finalists.cfm>