The Community Radio Awards release full details for this years categories

This year's Community Radio Awards open for entries on the 19th of May and we've released full details of this year's 18 award categories on our relaunched website at communityradioawards.org.uk which is being hosted by Aiir the award's headline sponsor.

The awards celebrate and promote all those involved in Community Radio and what those local stations do to serve their local communities, this year we have changed the eligibility criteria to Ofcom licensed and broadcasting radio station, operated by a not-for-profit or charitable entity with a remit to serve a community of location or a locally based community of interest.

Martin Steers Chair of the Community Radio Awards ‘I’m really excited to see this years awards happen, we are always keen to get more stations entering, and this year could see some new CDSP stations which have launched on SSDAB’

This year we have added, removed & revised some of the categories, we've also introduced more guidance on what judges will be looking for with each category, this is in addition to the published five criteria that they will be marked against.

There are also two special categories for this year, HM Queen Elizabeth II – Her life, Her Reign, and her passing - how stations engaged with their listeners and community to mark the passing of the Queen and celebrate her life and reign, and a category for coverage of the Coronation of King Charles III and how the station's area and community celebrated the event and the wider cultural and community activity.

The awards open on Friday the 19th of May and close on the 30th of June, entries cost £5 (Station of the Year is free to enter), and they are planning an awards ceremony in the Autumn.

Also open for nominations is the Community Radio Honours which recognises those who have made a significant impact to the community radio sector, they also close on the 30th of June.

The awards are also always on the lookout for people to join their judging panels, those involved in the industry or who have experience of radio, from Commercial Radio, BBC Radio, and Community Radio, those interested should contact the awards at hello@communityradioawards.org.uk