[PRESS OFFICE] The 2026 Telkom Radio Awards have attracted a strong response from South Africa’s radio and audio industry, with a total of 1,278 entries received from 304 entrants across the Awards programme.
Now in their 16th edition, and with Telkom serving as naming partner for a fourth consecutive year, the Awards continue to recognise excellence across the country’s vibrant radio landscape, celebrating the broadcasters, journalists, producers, content creators and stations that inform, entertain and connect audiences every day.
With entries now closed, the adjudication process officially commenced on 13 October 2026 and will continue until 31 October 2026.
A total of 174 judges will participate in this year’s evaluation process, supported by 10 advisory panel members and overseen by head judge Grant Nash. Together, they will assess entries across the Awards programme to determine the finalists and winners in the various categories.
The expanded judging process follows the introduction of The Listening Panel initiative earlier this year, which invited experienced professionals from across the broadcasting, audio and media sectors to participate in the adjudication programme.
The initiative was designed to broaden industry representation, bring fresh perspectives into the judging process, and further strengthen the credibility and relevance of the Awards.
According to Nash, the volume and quality of entries received reflect the strength and diversity of South Africa’s radio industry. “
The response to this year’s Awards demonstrates the extraordinary depth of talent that exists across South African radio and audio. The entries represent a wide range of voices, formats, genres and platforms, showcasing the innovation, creativity and professionalism that continue to make radio one of the country’s most influential and trusted mediums,” says Nash.
“Our judges now have the important task of assessing this work against rigorous criteria to ensure that excellence is recognised fairly, consistently and transparently across all categories.”
Alongside the industry adjudication process, public participation remains open through the popular My Station competition, which gives listeners an opportunity to support their favourite radio station.
Voting for the My Station Award remains open until 23 October 2026. The station receiving the highest number of public votes will be recognised with the award, while one voter will be selected through a random draw to win R40 000. Listeners can cast their votes here.
The winners of the 2026 Telkom Radio Awards will be announced at a gala dinner to be held in Gauteng on 28 November 2026.
The Radio Awards process is subject to agreed-upon procedures performed by BDO Advisory Services.
For sponsorship enquiries or further information, please contact Shannon King at kings@arena.africa
About Arena Holdings
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. Through its print, digital, social media and events businesses, Arena Holdings connects audiences and advertisers with high-quality content that informs, educates and inspires. Arena Holdings is a division of the Lebashe Investment Group. www.arena.africa | www.adroom.arena.africa |
About Telkom
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. www.telkom.co.za
