The Radio Academy Rebrands as The Audio Academy | UK Audio Industry News 2025
The UK’s most prestigious voice for radio professionals is officially getting a makeover. Starting January next year, The Radio Academy will be known as The Audio Academy—a move that reflects the dramatic evolution of the modern audio industry. This shift was formally announced by Chair Helen Thomas at the Radio Academy Festival 2025, and it marks a major step in uniting professionals across radio, podcasting, streaming, and emerging audio technologies under a single umbrella.
This rebrand is more than just a name change—it represents a significant strategic pivot designed to keep pace with changing listener habits, new audio formats, and the rising importance of digital audio experiences.
Why The Radio Academy is Becoming The Audio Academy
Reflecting Today’s Industry Reality
Helen Thomas, Chair of The Radio Academy, delivered a powerful message to delegates at the Festival:
“While we are proud of our history and passionate about our past, we want to reflect the reality of today’s industry. From January next year we will become The Audio Academy.”
According to the organisation’s data, fewer than 40% of members now describe themselves as working solely in radio. Many have branched into adjacent sectors, including:
Podcasting – With millions of listeners turning to podcasts for entertainment, news, and storytelling.
Music Streaming – Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music dominating listening habits.
Audiobooks & Voice AI – Rapid growth in audiobook consumption and smart speaker usage.
Digital Broadcasting & On-Demand Audio – Growing interest in time-shifted and curated listening experiences.
The new name acknowledges this reality and positions the organisation to remain relevant for years to come.
A Legacy of Supporting UK Radio Talent
The Academy, founded in 1983, has been instrumental in nurturing UK broadcasting talent for over four decades. Its initiatives include:
Educational programmes and mentorship for young talent.
The Audio & Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS) – the UK’s most prestigious awards celebrating audio excellence.
Networking and training events that connect professionals from all corners of the industry.
In 2024, the ARIAS even introduced new categories like “Audio Brand of the Year”, which was awarded to Gary Lineker’s production company, Goalhanger—a sign of how the awards are adapting to the evolving audio ecosystem.
Why This Rebrand Matters
Keeping Up with Audience Behavior
The UK’s audio sector is more vibrant than ever:
86% of UK adults still listen to live radio weekly — proving radio remains a dominant medium.
Podcast listening is skyrocketing — Edison Research reports that over 50% of UK adults listened to a podcast in the past month.
Smart speaker ownership and streaming growth are transforming how audiences engage with audio.
The rebrand positions The Audio Academy to serve all these audiences and creators—radio lovers and podcast fans alike.
What This Means for Industry Professionals
For those in the audio industry, the rebrand opens doors to a more inclusive professional network. Members can expect:
Expanded membership opportunities for podcasters, streamers, and content creators.
Broader awards categories recognising excellence across multiple audio formats.
Access to cutting-edge research and insights into listener behaviour and audio technology trends.
Networking events bringing together diverse voices from commercial radio, independent podcasting, public broadcasting, and digital-first creators.
Key Takeaways from the Announcement
The Radio Academy will officially become The Audio Academy in January 2026.
The change reflects the organisation’s mission to represent all forms of audio, not just traditional radio.
The move follows a trend that began in 2016, when the ARIAS opened up to non-radio submissions.
Audience data supports the shift, with podcasting and streaming now mainstream in the UK.
The organisation aims to remain inclusive, relevant, and future-focused.
Industry Reaction: Excitement and Optimism
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from across the sector. Many industry figures see this as a natural evolution and a way to unite the fragmented audio space.
Podcast producers praised the Academy for recognising their craft as equal to radio.
Commercial radio leaders welcomed the move as a chance to showcase innovation.
Streaming platform representatives expressed interest in deeper collaboration with The Audio Academy.
Future of The Audio Industry in the UK
This rebrand isn’t just about 2026—it’s about shaping the next decade of audio in the UK. Key trends to watch include:
Rise of AI-generated audio and synthetic voices in content creation.
Personalised listening experiences driven by machine learning.
Interactive audio advertising creating new monetisation opportunities.
Hybrid formats blending live radio, on-demand, and community-driven audio.
The Audio Academy aims to be at the heart of these conversations, helping professionals stay ahead of the curve.
Conclusion: A Sound Move for the Future
The transition from The Radio Academy to The Audio Academy signals a bold step forward. It recognises that audio is no longer confined to the radio dial but is a dynamic, multi-platform, and constantly innovating industry.
This rebrand is about celebrating all voices, all formats, and all possibilities in audio—ensuring the UK continues to lead globally in creativity, innovation, and storytelling.
