[PRESS OFFICE] The Telkom Radio Awards has launched The Listening Panel, a new initiative aimed at broadening participation in the Awards’ judging process and ensuring greater representation from across South Africa’s diverse radio and audio industry.
The initiative invites experienced professionals from across the broadcasting, audio and media sectors to register their interest in serving as judges for the 2026 Telkom Radio Awards. Designed to widen industry participation and bring fresh perspectives to the adjudication process, The Listening Panel forms part of the Awards’ ongoing commitment to maintaining credibility, fairness and relevance in an evolving media landscape.
The Telkom Radio Awards is South Africa’s premier celebration of excellence in radio and audio. Established in 2010 and now in their 16th edition, the Awards recognise the presenters, journalists, producers, stations, innovators and behind-the- scenes professionals who continue to inform, entertain and connect audiences across the country.
With Telkom serving as naming partner for a fourth consecutive year, the Awards remain the benchmark for achievement within the industry.
About the Listening Panel
The Listening Panel seeks to attract professionals from across commercial, public, community and campus radio, as well as podcasting, digital audio, journalism, audio production, media strategy, marketing, academia and related fields.
The objective is to build a judging pool that reflects the diversity of experience, expertise and perspectives that exist across South Africa’s audio ecosystem.
Prospective judges will be assessed according to a range of criteria, including their professional experience, category expertise, sector knowledge, language capabilities and availability. The final judging panel will be selected to ensure an appropriate balance of perspectives across the industry while maintaining the high standards of integrity and professionalism for which the Awards are known
Grant Nash, Head Judge of the 2026 Telkom Radio Awards, said the introduction of The Listening Panel reflects the Awards’ commitment to ensuring that excellence is recognised by people who understand the craft and impact of outstanding audio content.
Great radio deserves great judges
“Great radio deserves judges who understand what makes it exceptional. South Africa’s radio and audio industry is rich in talent, expertise and experience, and The Listening Panel creates an opportunity to draw from a broader pool of professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the judging process,” says Nash.
“The objective is not simply to expand the number of judges. It is to ensure that our judging panels reflect the depth and diversity of expertise that exists across the industry. By bringing together professionals with different backgrounds, experiences and specialist knowledge, we strengthen the quality of the evaluation process and reinforce the credibility of the Awards.”
Industry professionals interested in joining The Listening Panel can register their interest by completing a short online application form here.
Completing the registration form enables candidates to be considered for appointment to the judging panel but does not guarantee selection.
The 2026 Telkom Radio Awards gala dinner will take place in Gauteng on 5 December 2026. BDO South Africa returns as the Awards’ independent auditor, ensuring the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability throughout the adjudication process.
For sponsorship enquiries or further information, please contact Shannon King at mailto:kings@arena.africa
Arena Holdings is one of South Africa’s leading media companies, with a portfolio of trusted news, information, entertainment and lifestyle brands that reach millions of readers, viewers and listeners across multiple platforms. Arena Holdings is a division of the Lebashe Investment Group.
Telkom SA SOC Ltd is a leading information and communications technology services provider in South Africa. Our mission is to seamlessly connect people to a better life. We carry this through in all our brands, whether at the consumer, business, or wholesale level. Telkom consists of the following business units: BCX, an end-to-end digital solutions provider; connectivity and wholesale division Openserve; Telkom Consumer and Small Business and property company Gyro.
