Categories and Media Requirements

This award is to recognise the broadcast radio, or streamed and podcast audio documentary/programme, which, in the opinion of the judges, has made the biggest impact in the past year. This could be a documentary or long form factual feature/programme or series that demonstrates compelling storytelling. It could be on a specific individual, or past/present event or investigative work such as an exposé.

It can include stand-alone recorded programmes and documentary segments presented as part of a studio discussion or a single interview, where this has particular merit, but the aired programme must have been over 30 minutes in length.

Judges will be looking for entries that demonstrate compelling audio with untold stories or aspects of familiar stories not heard before. The winner will captivate listeners within depth original journalism told in a unique way. Entries must consist of a showreel of clips lasting no more than 30 minutes in total.

If it is a series, you can choose to select 30 minutes from one programme, or a selection of clips from the series totalling no more than 30 minutes. In addition, entries can include a link to the whole documentary or documentary series if available online, please note this needs to be accessible to judges if behind a paywall.

Entries should also be accompanied by a supporting statement of no more than 250 words, highlighting the impact the documentary made in 2025. Please include track listings with your entry for judges to follow (not included in the 250 word supporting statement).