The New York Festivals 2026 Radio Awards is open for entries. In announcing this, the organization says, “The New York Festivals Radio Awards provides a global platform to honor creative storytellers. Since 1957, NYF has celebrated innovation and excellence in audio across every genre and platform. Each year, the competition evolves with new categories that reflect the future of audio-driven storytelling.” The 2026 Radio Awards welcomes entries across 14 category groups, from News Programs, Documentaries, and Talk Programs to On-Air Talent, Craft, and Entertainment. Specialized groups spotlight groundbreaking work in Digital, Podcast, and Audio Book content, while Programming Formats and Promotion/Open & ID celebrate the creative standards of radio. This year, the Radio Awards expands its reach with the introduction of the new Video Podcast category, reflecting the growing role of visual storytelling in audio-driven media. New York Festivals Radio Awards EVP and executive director Rose Anderson states, “For nearly seven decades, NYF’s Radio Awards has championed the art of storytelling across every platform. Each year we’re inspired by the creativity and innovation that push audio forward, and with the addition of new categories like Video Podcast, we’re proud to continue celebrating the evolving ways storytellers connect with audiences worldwide.” Through its partnership with the National Press Club, New York Festivals honors audio journalists and reporters who use their craft to shine a light on the stories that matter most. Since its inception in 2023, the National Press Club Award has honored the top-scoring news program across the Breaking News Story Coverage, Continuing News Story Coverage, Nonfiction Series, and News Podcast categories. See 2026’s NYF Radio Awards categories here.
