2013 PRESS RELEASES

LIA Announces the 2013 Radio Jury led by Chris Smith,
Creative Group Head for The Richards Group

13 March 2013

Press Release
13th March 2013

Release Date: 13th March 2013

Chris Smith, Creative Group Head of the largest American independent agency, The Richards Group, will Chair the 2013 Radio Jury in Las Vegas later this year.

In his nearly two decades in advertising, he has written for some of America’s best-known brands, including Motel 6, Zales, The Home Depot, 7-Eleven, Red Lobster and Chick-fil-A. His work has garnered him shiny paperweights from Communication Arts and The One Show, plus some Emmys, Effies, Clios, Addys, and a few other things that end in “—ies”. He has been fortunate enough to have his name engraved as Writer or Creative Director on four Radio Mercury Awards, including the $100,000 Grand Prize in 2009. 

Chris has moonlighted as an improv and stand-up comedian and voice-over performer for over 15 years. He has written articles for mental_floss magazine and jokes for television. He has also co-authored three books of Trivia published by HarperCollins. Speaking of trivia, he is also a two-time Jeopardy! champion. And, like most admen over 40, he is in a rock band and working on a couple of screenplays. 

"As a member of the LIA Radio Jury in 2012, I knew I was going to leave the judging process impressed. What I wasn’t prepared for was that I’d be so inspired. So much good work, so many interesting ways to use radio. I felt really energized (although I pretended to be all jaded and over it in front of the other judges). Speaking of the other judges, it was a great group. True kindred spirits; it was just a great experience all the way around. Being asked to Chair the jury for 2013 is a huge honour, and I’m looking forward to a whole new batch of ideas I’ll wish I’d come up with."

“Chris’ input at the 2012 judging was invaluable and if you ask any of his fellow jury members, they would agree that he is the perfect candidate to Chair the Radio Jury this year. Chris is extremely humble for such a talented, experienced and highly awarded individual.  We are honoured to have him lead the exceptionally talented Radio Jury as they gather in Las Vegas from all corners of the globe.” stated Barbara Levy, President and owner of LIA.

Radio Jury Panel:

Ralph van Dijk -  Founding Creative Director – Eardrum, Sydney

Terry O'Reilly - Co-Founder - Pirate Radio & Television, Toronto

Jill Cheris - Executive Producer - Bar1, New York

Jo McCrostie - Creative Director - Global Radio, London

# # #

 

28th London International Awards 4th – 12th October 2013, Las Vegas

LIA has established itself as a revolutionary global competition, celebrating creativity, the power of ideas and new technology in all forms of Advertising, Digital and Design. Defining its 28-year history, Barbara Levy, Founder and President of LIA, continues her innovative leadership, meeting the demands of our ever-changing industry. Launched in 1986 with a mission to be different, LIA was the first truly international award, accepting entries in Television, Print and Radio media from around the world. LIA now accepts entries into thirteen unique media types.

LIA Educational Initiative: In 2012, LIA launched the Junior 'Creative Conversations' programme targeted to Young Creative’s from around the globe. As a way to give back to the industry, LIA coordinated a week of seminars, conversations, lunches and dinners that were educational and stimulated discussions around the future of Advertising. The entire initiative, including travel, meals and hotel expenses, was fully funded by LIA.

The 2012 'Creative Conversations' speakers included: Ted Royer, Susan Credle, Israel Diaz, Sonal Dabral, Tony Calcao, Jeremy Craigen, Faris Yakob, Neil French, Doerte Spengler-Ahrens, Bob Garfield, Jonathon Ker, Ralph van Dijk, Scott Elias and Phil Growick.

In 2013, 'Creative Conversations' will once again take place at Wynn/Encore, Las Vegas during the week of the LIA Judging Sessions. Seventy carefully selected Junior Creative’s from around the globe will attend this intimate, invitation-only event.

LIA will open their Entry System at the end of April with a final deadline at the end of July.

 

For further information please visit www.liaawards.com or contact:

Rebecca Morgan – Head of PR and Marketing 

London International Awards 

179 Wardour Street, 3rd Floor, London W1F 8WY, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 8426 1670; E-mail:
beccy@liaawards.com 

For further information please visit www.liaawards.com or contact:

Rebecca Morgan – Head of PR and Marketing

London International Awards

179 Wardour Street, 3rd Floor, London W1F 8WY, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 8426 1670; E-mail:
beccy@liaawards.com