The announcement of veteran Dutch radio host Frits Spits‘ retirement has been recognized as the “Radio Moment of the Year,” as judged by a panel of industry professionals. Spits, 77, announced his departure from his long-running NPO Radio 1 program, De Taalstaat, this fall after over five decades on the air. The announcement, made on De Perstribune, resonated with listeners and marked the end of an era for Dutch radio, earning Spits the top honor in the annual awards.
The announcement of radio host Frits Spits’ retirement has been named the radio moment of the year. The announcement was made on NPO Radio 1’s De Perstribune.
Spits revealed his decision to step down from his show, De Taalstaat, this past fall after 52 years on the air. The 77-year-old broadcaster presented his final NPO Radio 1 program yesterday.
In his September announcement, Spits said the outpouring of response from listeners deeply moved him. “Because you found the words that touched my heart. That’s what language can do,” the presenter stated.
According to jury chair Ron Vergouwen, Spits delivered the announcement “in his characteristic manner, with meaningful and beautiful sentences.” The jury also noted the moment marked the end of an era in Dutch radio.
“I think it’s really wonderful,” Spits said about the award. “I’m speechless and very proud.”
Spits was surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues during his final broadcast yesterday:
The final words of Frits Spits on the radio
The second-place honor went to a segment featuring NPO Radio 2 host Tim Op het Broek, who invited a listener, Raymond, to choose a favorite song. The listener selected “Say Say Say” by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, and then flawlessly sang along to the song’s intro. The clip went viral on social media.
Rounding out the top three was the farewell interview with Peter de Bie, conducted by Coen Verbraak. The interview aired the day after de Bie’s self-chosen death.
The jury for the Radio Moment of the Year consists of radio DJs and presenters from public and commercial radio stations. Last year, the farewell conversation with Eva Hermans-Kroot on Qmusic was chosen as the radio moment of the year.
