The Radio Academy is to launch its Nations & Regions Awards across various UK venues in November in a bid to raise activity and awareness within local radio broadcasting.
The awards will seek to give recognition to the best of the small, local stations across the country and will be aimed at stations with a coverage of 300,000 listeners or less.
The academy will award three stations in each nation and region a gold, silver or bronze Radio Academy Station of the Year accolade.
The gold winner from each area will be able to declare itself Radio Academy Station of the Year within its broadcasting region.
According to the Radio Academy, the gold winners will automatically qualify for the national Sony Radio Academy Awards Nations & Regions category.
It will also become the only entry route for stations to be considered for the Sony Station of the Year for channels with 300,000 listeners or less.
The deadline for submissions is 24 September, with ceremonies taking place across the UK from midNovember.
John Bradford, director of the Radio Academy, said: “This initiative follows unparalleled enthusiasm for the Nations & Regions to have their own awards and we are thrilled to respond to their call.”
By Wale Azeez
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