Community Radio Awards 2026 Launch as Sector Celebrates 10 Years of Recognition

Entries are now open for the 2026 Community Radio Awards, marking a decade since the awards were first launched in Birmingham in 2016

The Community Radio Awards were created to celebrate the work of volunteers, presenters and stations across the UK, recognising the vital role community radio plays in serving local communities and audiences of interest or identity.

Now in their tenth year, the awards continue to showcase the breadth and impact of the sector, with entries open to Ofcom-licensed and broadcasting stations, along with their presenters, volunteers and teams. 

Entries for the 2026 awards are open now and will close on 30th June. Judging will take place across the summer, with panels made up of experts from across community, commercial and BBC radio, as well as academia and the wider media sector.  Shortlists will be announced towards the end of the summer.

The awards ceremony will once again take place in the evening following the national Community Radio Conference, organised by the UK Community Radio Network, in October, with the final date and location to be confirmed. The event brings together stations, volunteers and industry professionals from across the UK to celebrate the sector’s achievements and share best practice.

A wide range of categories are available for entry, covering programming, community impact, volunteering and journalism. Full details of categories and criteria can be found here: https://www.communityradioawards.org.uk/awardcategories/

Alongside the main awards, the Community Radio Honours are also open. These recognise individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the sector. For 2026, honours nominations move to a rolling basis, allowing submissions at any time for consideration within a two-year cycle. 

Submit an Honours Nomination https://www.communityradioawards.org.uk/honoursnomination/

The awards are also calling for judges from across the industry, including those with experience in community radio, commercial radio, the BBC and academic or media-related fields. Judging will take place during June and July.

The Community Radio Awards continue to be supported by a range of partners and sponsors from across the industry, with headline sponsor Aiir returning to support the awards and wider sector. Support from sponsors plays a key role in enabling the awards to remain accessible, volunteer-led and independent, while continuing to celebrate the achievements of community radio across the UK.

Rebecca Steers, Founder and Chair of the Community Radio Awards, said: “Reaching ten years of the Community Radio Awards is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the passion, creativity and commitment of everyone involved in community radio.

“These awards exist to recognise the incredible work happening in communities right across the UK, often led by volunteers who are making a real difference through radio.

“As we open entries for 2026, we’re excited to continue celebrating the stories, voices and impact that make our sector so special.”

Further information, including how to enter, can be found at: https://www.communityradioawards.org.uk/