Entries for the ARIAS 2025 will open tomorrow, Wednesday 8 January with brand-new and updated awards as the industry thrives and grows.
There are now 21 categories to enter, with the winers being announced at a ceremony at Leicester Square’s ODEON Luxe on Wednesday 14 May.
This year, there is a new Chair of Judges as, after overseeing the process for well over a decade, Phil Riley passes the mantle to Bob Shennan, a leader in audio with over 30 years of experience in media.
As the ARIAS’ new Chair of Judges, Shennan will be holding a webinar about how to enter and what the judges are looking for on Tuesday 14 January. More details will be announced in due course.
Bob Shennan says: “It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of Phil Riley as The Radio Academy ARIAS Chair of Judges. Phil has done an outstanding job for our sector and leaves a tremendous legacy. Radio and audio in the UK are flourishing.
“I truly believe our country boasts the finest content and best creative talent in the world. Each year it will be our ambition that The ARIAS proves that.”
Phil Riley says: “I’m delighted to be handing the reins over to Bob Shennan. He is undoubtedly one of the leading figures in our industry and will do a great job in ensuring the ARIAS remain the leading audio and radio awards in the UK for the next decade.
“There are really exciting plans for the future of the ARIAS and I shall look on with great pride as the awards continue to grow in the years to come.”
The Radio Academy will be partnering with Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund again to help make the entry process as accessible as possible. The fund reimburses the cost of entering audio awards for independent audio producers of colour and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Entries for nominations open tomorrow on the Radio Academy website. Early Bird entries close on 22 January, while all entries will close by 12 February.
Aradhna Tayal Leach, Managing Director of The Radio Academy says: “Following a truly inspiring year with some of the biggest global audio sensations emerging from the UK, I’m very excited to be launching The Radio Academy ARIAS 2025.
“We’re proud to highlight the huge breadth of talent and the sheer impact that the UK audio and radio industry has on millions of listeners locally and across the globe. I look forward to welcoming all our peers as we come together in our exciting new venue for a night of celebration!”
ARIAS 2025 Updated Award Categories:
Best New Presenter Award
Best Music Breakfast Radio Show Award
Best Speech Breakfast Radio Show Award
Best Music Entertainment Award (Show or Presenter)
Best Speech Entertainment Award (Show or Presenter)
Best Music Award (Show or Presenter)
Best Comedy Award (Show or Presenter)
Best Factual Single Episode Award
Best Factual Series Award
Best Drama or Fiction Award
Best News or Current Affairs Award
Best Sports Award (Show or Presenter)
Best Event Coverage Award
Best Sonic Branding Award
Best Commercial Partnership Award
The Social Impact Award
The Creative or Technical Innovation Award
Local Radio Station of The Year
UK Radio Station or Radio Network of The Year
UK Audio Brand of the Year
Radio Times Moment of the Year
