In a world where streaming platforms, podcasts and algorithm-driven playlists compete for our attention, radio still has something powerful going for it: the ability to make people feel part of something bigger.

For Jacaranda FM, that connection has earned another major recognition. The station has been named Best Local Radio Station at the 2026 Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards, while its breakfast show host, Martin Bester, secured the title of Best Local Radio Personality.

The double win is more than a trophy moment. It reflects the relationship between a broadcaster and the people who welcome it into their homes, cars and everyday routines.

More Than Background Noise

For many Pretoria residents, radio is part of the rhythm of the city. It accompanies early morning commutes, helps break the silence of traffic and provides a familiar voice before the demands of the day take over.

That everyday presence is what makes listener recognition meaningful. Unlike a recommendation generated by an algorithm, a readers’ choice award reflects people actively choosing to support a station and personality that resonate with them.

Jacaranda FM reaches audiences across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West, with Pretoria remaining central to its identity. Its latest award reinforces the importance of maintaining a connection with the communities that have supported the station over time.

Managing Director Vuyani Dombo says Pretoria has played a significant role in the station’s story, describing the recognition as a reflection of the trust and relationships built with its listeners.

In an increasingly crowded media landscape, that trust remains a valuable currency.

Martin Bester’s Morning Connection

At the centre of the celebration is Martin Bester, whose Breakfast With Martin Bester brings together topical conversations, entertainment, local stories and moments of genuine emotion.

The appeal of a breakfast show goes beyond music and headlines. It is about creating a shared experience for people who may never meet but find themselves laughing at the same joke, debating the same issue or reacting to the same story.

Bester’s recognition as Best Local Radio Personality speaks to the personal side of broadcasting: the voices audiences come to recognise, the personalities they invite into their mornings and the sense of familiarity that develops over time.

Responding to the win, Bester thanked the people who tune in and form part of the show’s feel-good community. He also expressed his hope that the team would continue entertaining listeners while sharing moments of laughter, tears and mutual support.

That emotional connection is a reminder that, even as media consumption habits evolve, personality still matters.

When Broadcasting Becomes Community Action

Jacaranda FM’s community impact also extends beyond the studio through initiatives such as Good Morning Angels, which brings listeners together to help individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.

The initiative illustrates how a media platform can turn audience attention into practical support. Listeners are not simply consuming content; they can become participants in stories of generosity, resilience and collective action.

For a country where many communities continue to navigate economic pressures and social challenges, that ability to mobilise people around a shared cause gives broadcasting another dimension.

It also demonstrates how a station can build a relationship with its audience that extends beyond entertainment.

The Real Measure of Local Radio

The Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards recognise the businesses, people and experiences that matter to the city’s residents. For Jacaranda FM and Martin Bester, the double win offers a moment to celebrate the listeners who continue to make them part of their daily lives.

But recognition also brings an important question: how does a broadcaster keep earning that loyalty as younger audiences discover new ways to consume music, news and entertainment?

The answer may lie in combining the familiarity of traditional radio with the immediacy, authenticity and community engagement that today’s audiences expect.

For now, Jacaranda FM and Bester have another reason to celebrate. Their latest honours reinforce a simple truth: the strongest media connections are not built on airtime alone, but on the feeling that someone on the other side of the speakers understands your world.