The search for South Africa’s radio excellence is officially underway, with entries now open for the 2026 Telkom Radio Awards. In its 16th edition, the awards continue to recognise the people behind the country’s diverse radio landscape, from broadcasters and journalists to producers, audio creators and the teams shaping how audiences experience radio.

With Telkom returning as naming partner for a fourth consecutive year, the 2026 awards introduce several category changes designed to reflect how the industry continues to evolve. New categories include On-Air Personality, Broadcast Journalist and Specialist Music Show, while existing programme categories have been refined to create clearer entry pathways across campus, community, commercial and public broadcasting. A total of 54 awards will be presented across 22 headline categories.

The awards are also opening up their adjudication process, inviting experienced radio professionals to apply to participate as judges. The initiative aims to bring broader industry representation and fresh perspectives into the judging process, with Grant Nash returning as Head Judge to oversee the selection and moderation of the judging process. Listeners can also have their say through the My Station public voting competition, with voting open until 23 October and one voter standing a chance to win R40 000.

With radio continuing to occupy a unique place in South Africa’s media ecosystem, the Telkom Radio Awards offer an opportunity to recognise the people and work that keep the medium relevant. Entries close on Friday, 2 October, with the awards ceremony taking place in Gauteng on 5 December.

Radio stations and industry professionals are encouraged to put forward their strongest work and ensure the talent shaping South African radio gets the recognition it deserves.