2020 is the 11th year that The Radio Awards has honoured outstanding achievements in the radio industry, setting benchmarks for all stations and professionals to strive towards.

In 2020, The Radio Awards attracted a record number of entries (more than 2 000) from a record number of stations (more than 160). Taryn Westoby, head of Arena Events, says that the role of radio has never been more important in the lives of South Africans.

"The country has faced a tough year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, where radio has provided a necessary lifeline for millions during lockdown. Radio has played a vital role in keeping people informed and in touch, emphasising again that it is an essential form of entertainment, communication and connection for South Africans," says Westoby.

To support the radio industry during 2020, The Radio Awards programme was extended to include a Tune In series of virtual dialogues that will continue into 2021. The online dialogues will focus on various topics of interest for radio broadcasters and radio marketers, allowing people across the country to learn from experts while maintaining social distancing.

Extended entry period for 2021

From Thursday, 10 December, radio stations across the country are invited to submit their entries for The Radio Awards 2021 via the online entry portal.

"With many in the radio industry facing end-of-year exhaustion, we've kept the entry window open longer to alleviate the time-crunch pressures many face at this time of year," adds Westoby.

The Radio Awards entries close on Tuesday, 5 February 2021.

There is no fee for entering and all category and entry guidelines are available on The Radio Awards website.

The categories to be awarded in 2021 include:
  • Afternoon Drive Presenter
  • Afternoon Drive Show
  • Breakfast Show
  • Breakfast Show Presenter
  • Business and Finance Show
  • Community Project
  • Content Producer
  • Daytime Show
  • Drama Programme
  • Field News Reporter
  • Multi-Channel Promotion
  • Music Show
  • News and Actuality Show
  • News Bulletin Reader
  • Night-time Show
  • Station Imaging
  • Radio Innovation
  • Promotions Stunt/Event
  • Radio Documentary
  • Sports Presenter
  • Sports Show
  • Traffic Presenter
  • Weekend Radio Show Podcast
  • Internet Radio Show
  • Podcast
  • Bursary Award
  • Bright Star
  • Station Manager’s Choice
  • Hall of Fame
  • Lifetime Achiever
  • Station of the Year
Applicants are encouraged to take note of the following dates:
  • Thursday, 10 December 2020: 2021 entries open
  • Wednesday, 20 January 2021: My Station Competition opens
  • Friday, 05 February 2021: 2021 entries close
  • Tuesday, 16 February 2021: Station Managers Choice nominations open
  • Friday, 14 May 2021: virtual winners announcement
"The Radio Awards programme remains dedicated to fairness and integrity and is focused on being a credible, well-judged transparent programme that recognises exceptional and innovative excellence in South African radio," says Westoby.

"The Radio Awards continues celebrating the achievements of the talented people in the radio industry who are committed to maintaining radio as one of South Africa's foremost media choices," concludes Westoby.

For inquiries about The Radio Awards 2020 entries, contact [email protected].

For more information, visit www.radioawards.co.za. You can also follow The Radio Awards on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.