Entries for ARIAS 2025 Open Tomorrow: New Categories & Exciting Updates

The Radio Academy is all set to launch the ARIAS 2025, celebrating the very best in UK radio and audio. Entries open tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8, with a revamped lineup of categories and an exciting new Chair of Judges. This year’s awards promise to set a new benchmark for the thriving audio industry.

Contents hide

1 Mark Your Calendars for ARIAS 2025

2 A New Era for ARIAS Judging: Bob Shennan Takes the Lead

2.1 What Bob Shennan Brings to the ARIAS

2.2 Phil Riley Reflects on His Tenure

2.3 Exclusive Webinar by Bob Shennan

3 Revamped Categories for 2025

4 Inclusive Opportunities for All Creators

5 Timeline and Deadlines

5.1 Key Dates for ARIAS 2025 Entries:

6 Aradhna Tayal Leach on ARIAS 2025

7 Event Highlights to Look Forward To

8 Why ARIAS 2025 Matters

9 How to Prepare Your Entry for ARIAS 2025

9.1 1. Understand the Criteria

9.2 2. Showcase Your Impact

9.3 3. Prioritize Creativity

9.4 4. Stay Concise and Focused

9.5 5. Leverage Feedback

10 Get Involved and Make Your Mark

Mark Your Calendars for ARIAS 2025

The winners of the prestigious awards will be announced at an exclusive ceremony at Leicester Square’s ODEON Luxe on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. With 21 categories to compete in, this year’s event will spotlight outstanding talent and creativity in the UK’s radio and audio sector.

A New Era for ARIAS Judging: Bob Shennan Takes the Lead

After over a decade of dedicated service, Phil Riley has passed the Chair of Judges role to Bob Shennan, a renowned leader in the audio industry with over 30 years of media experience.

What Bob Shennan Brings to the ARIAS

Bob Shennan expressed his excitement:

“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 Reflects on His Tenure

Phil Riley also shared his thoughts:

“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.”

Exclusive Webinar by Bob Shennan

To provide insights on how to craft winning entries, Bob Shennan will host a special webinar on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Participants can learn what the judges are looking for and gain an edge in their submissions. Further details about the webinar will be released soon.

Revamped Categories for 2025

This year, the ARIAS feature updated and newly introduced categories to reflect the dynamic nature of the radio and audio industry. Here’s the complete list of categories for 2025:

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

Inclusive Opportunities for All Creators

The Radio Academy continues its commitment to inclusivity by partnering with the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund for another year. This initiative ensures that independent audio producers of color and LGBTQ+ individuals can access reimbursements for entry fees, making the awards accessible to all.

Timeline and Deadlines

Key Dates for ARIAS 2025 Entries:

Entries Open: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Early Bird Entries Close: Monday, January 22, 2025
Final Entry Deadline: Monday, February 12, 2025

All nominations must be submitted through the Radio Academy’s official website. Early Bird submissions offer discounted entry fees, so participants are encouraged to act swiftly.

Aradhna Tayal Leach on ARIAS 2025

Aradhna Tayal Leach, Managing Director of The Radio Academy, shared her excitement for this year’s awards:

“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!”

Event Highlights to Look Forward To

The ceremony at Leicester Square’s ODEON Luxe promises to be a glamorous affair, attended by industry stalwarts, upcoming talent, and key stakeholders. Attendees can look forward to:

Networking opportunities with top industry professionals
Celebratory recognition of groundbreaking work in the radio and audio landscape
A chance to witness history as winners are unveiled across 21 categories

Why ARIAS 2025 Matters

The ARIAS, often called the Oscars of the UK audio industry, hold a vital place in recognizing excellence and inspiring innovation. As audio continues to evolve in new and exciting ways, these awards provide a platform to:

Acknowledge creative brilliance
Highlight diverse voices and stories
Celebrate technical and artistic innovation

How to Prepare Your Entry for ARIAS 2025

To increase your chances of success, consider these tips:

1. Understand the Criteria

Carefully read the requirements for your chosen category. Ensure your submission aligns with the specific criteria outlined by the judges.

2. Showcase Your Impact

Highlight measurable outcomes and audience engagement. Use data, testimonials, or critical reviews to strengthen your entry.

3. Prioritize Creativity

Emphasize originality and innovation. Show how your work stands out from the competition.

4. Stay Concise and Focused

Make your entry clear and to the point. Judges often have limited time, so ensure your key achievements are easy to identify.

5. Leverage Feedback

Ask peers or mentors to review your submission. Constructive feedback can help refine your entry.

Get Involved and Make Your Mark

Whether you’re an emerging creator or an established industry player, the ARIAS 2025 offers a golden opportunity to gain recognition and celebrate excellence. Don’t miss out on this chance to shine on one of the industry’s biggest stages.

For more information on categories, deadlines, and entry tips, visit the Radio Academy’s official website. Join the conversation on social media using #ARIAS2025 and be part of this year’s celebration of audio excellence.