Downton Abbey has been voted last year’s best TV drama programme by members of Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV), a consumer group which champions public service broadcasting.

Strictly Come Dancing won best TV entertainment programme, while BBC One’s Countryfile won TV factual programme and CBBC’s Newsround won best TV children’s programme.

Strictly Come Dancing judges
Strictly Come Dancing judges Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

The VLV Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting 2014 – which are in their 23rd year – will be presented by James Naughtie at a ceremony during the organisation’s spring conference in London today.

Martha Kearney and Professor Brian Cox were voted radio and TV contributors of the year and radio critic Gillian Reynolds was awarded the VLV trustees’ special award for her contribution to public service broadcasting over many years.

Professor Brian Cox (Matt Faber/PA)
Professor Brian Cox (Matt Faber/PA)

VLV chairman Colin Browne said: “The wide range of nominations proposed by our members illustrate the tremendous quality and diversity to be found in UK broadcasting. Winners tell us they particularly value these awards as they are chosen by the people who really matter – engaged listeners and viewers.”

Other winners of the awards, nominated and voted for by VLV members, include BBC Radio 4′s The News Quiz (best radio drama and comedy programme), Germany: Memories Of A Nation (best radio factual programme) and BBC Radio 3′s Composer Of The Week as best radio music and arts programme.