Radio Academy launches ARIAS awards

The Radio Academy has today launched a brand new cross-industry awards, the Audio & Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS).

In association with Leeds Beckett University and LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District), the prestigious awards will take place at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on October 19th, with headline acts, to be revealed in the coming weeks, performing at the star-studded event.

Roger Cutsforth, The Radio Academy Managing Director commented:

“The awards give the radio industry the opportunity to showcase the breadth and range of opportunities on offer in this exciting industry, ensuring we attract the brightest talent in future to work in radio.”

The ARIAS will ensure the entire radio and audio industry – across all platforms and including podcasting, streaming and audio books – has the opportunity to celebrate the very best of audio, innovation and excellence. Joint Chair of the ARIAS will be Bob Shennan, Controller of BBC Radio 2 alongside Phil Riley, former Chair & CEO of Orion Media.

The ceremony, which will seat guests theatre style, will be an inclusive event with tickets priced at just £36 [for Radio Academy members] to ensure the ARIAS are accessible to the whole radio industry from programming and production to marketing and commercial staff as well as journalists and senior management. There will be a total of 16 awards recognising innovation and excellence across all audio mediums, including Best Podcast; Best Digital and Audio Service (to include internet and streaming services); as well as more traditional awards such as Best Local Station; Best National Station; Best Sports Show and Best Network Music Breakfast Show.

The Awards will open for entries on July 4th, with entries closing on August 15th and nominations announced on September 19th. For more information visit the Radio Academy website.