First ever Nielsen Music 200,000 UK Airplay Award goes to Snow Patrol for 'Chasing Cars'

Snow Patrol's 2006 single 'Chasing Cars' has become the first song ever to be awarded the Nielsen Msuic 200,000 Plays Award for airplay across UK radio. The is award recognises the cumulative plays of a song across all UK radio stations since release and the achievement of all involved in making the record a radio hit.

'Chasing Cars', first played on UK radio on 24th April 2006, gas received the biggest support form the radio stations which now make up the Heart Network.

The Nielsen Music Airplay Awards were introduced in 2005 to recognise the success of radio plugging campaigns within the music industry. Levels of certification start with the 'Impact Award' for 5,000 plays on UK radio within 8 weeks prior to release. Recognition is also given to songs which reach 10,000, 30,000, 100,000 and now 200,000 plays. All UK radio plays across Nielsen's extensive panel of 275 UK stations, since January 2000, are inclkuded to calculate the awards.

The first song to receive the 100,000 plays award for 'Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)' by Spiller in 2005.

Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol said "We are staggered by this news. It's an incredible achievement and we're all very proud of this milestone for Chasing Cars. Thanks to all who played it and helped to make it so sucessful." Snow Patrol's record label were equally proud of the success for 'Chasing Cars' with Gavin Hughes, Head of Regional Radio at Polydor saying "Everyone at Fiction and Polydor are delighted with the news that Snow Patrol have reached 200,000 plays at radio for 'Chasing Cars'. It's testament to the timelessness of the song and the success the band enjoy at UK radio. Thank you to all the UK stations that have continued to support the band over the years."

John Myers, the Chief Executive of the Radio Academy spoke on behalf of the radio industry when he said "Snow Patrol's success is outstanding. Radio plays, promotes and encourages great music but talent comes first. Snow Patrol have this in adundance."

Nielsen are very pleased to be able to recognise Snow Patrol's success with this award and Helena Kosinski and Debbieanne O'Donovan caught up with the band when they were performing at The O2 Arena in London to present them with a special plaque.