2026 STORYTELLERS GALA
Anchored from New York City, over 150 teams sent their acceptances from around the world. Special vignettes featured industry leaders who shared their insights into the future of storytelling. Together we celebrated excellence and raised glasses of virtual – and real – champagne!
Master-Class Storytelling Virtual Webinar
The Podglomerate and New York Festivals presented “From Script to Success: Production Secrets From Trophy-Winning Podcasts” on October 1st. NYF trophy-winning producers from NPR, CBC and The Boston Globe shared some secret sauce behind their hit shows and answered how-to questions. We wanted to be sure to share the webinar recording in case you’re looking for actionable ideas on how to hone your production skills.
Sounds Over The Years
The theater of the mind is always open so we put together a highlights reel of some NYF Radio Awards memorable moments and memorable winning programs through the years. Hope this retrospective inspires you as you make your own submission longlist for this year.
2026 lifetime achievement award
While trends may come and go, excellence never goes out of style. Since 2011, we’ve recognized some of the driving forces in the broadcasting industry – hands-on leaders with a body of work that has made a lasting impression. President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and former President of NBC News, Stephen Capus is a respected global news leader and editorial strategist, who has spent decades shaping the modern broadcast news landscape while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
IMPORTANT DATES
OPEN FOR ENTRIES SEPTEMBER 2026
JUDGING BEGINS FEBRUARY 2027
SHORTliST ANNOUNCED MARCH 2027
Storytellers Gala May 21, 2026
NYF SPOTLIGHT
2026 Broadcaster of the Year
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation earned the 2026 Broadcaster of the Year Award. Compelling award-winning entries from CBC and Radio-Canada took home trophies for Sea of Lies, Mainstreet PEI: Kindergarten to Grade 12 - Lessons in Life, Understood: Who Broke the Internet, The Current / Audio Doc Unit - Seven Months with Makayla, See You In Court, Q with Tom Power,Pure Hell: How cocaine exploded in fentanyl's shadow and Céline Dion : l'amour à D'eux.
2026 National
Press Club Award
Dear Rachelle captivated the hearts and minds of millions of listeners worldwide. This true crime multimedia podcast series uncovered new evidence, prompted police action, and mobilized Australians to help solve the 2001 murder of 23-year old Rachelle Childs. The p15 episode podcast combined investigative journalism with sensitive storytelling, using audio, video, and 3D reconstructions to take listeners inside Rachelle’s case.
2026 Grand Jury and Advisory Board
Award--winning men and women of the Grand Jury from over 30 countries volunteer their time and expertise for the selection process. The Brain Trust of prominent industry executives on the Advisory Board provide insights into the future.
additions to the skyline
Like NYC itself, the Radio Awards are always moving ahead into the future now. We’re excited to have unique lanes of competition to win towers to add to your skyline: Video Podcasts join Anthologies, Multi-platform Promotions, Audiobook Technical Production Team, Pop Culture Documentary, Program Host, and Sports Anchor/Analyst.
Returning and Growing
Storytellers make us laugh, make us cry, make us aware, and remind us we are all connected. Last year we introduced Investigative Journalism documentary and Nonfiction Series documentary. This year they return. Our 14 category groups are your destination for every type of content.
News Program
Entries in this category group, News Program, are either regularly scheduled series or specials that are journalism-based.
News Report/Feature
Entries in this category group, News Report/Feature, are for journalism-based submissions which have a duration shorter than a full program.
documentary
Entries in this category group, Documentary, explore a specific topic or point of view in-depth, deal with issues of interest and importance and may be either individual programs or series.
entertainment
Entries in this category group, Entertainment, are specials or series airing weekly or on some regular basis and may be distributed live or recorded. Variety programs, Sports Programs, On Air Station Contests, Awards, Parades, Telethons, Opening/Closing ceremonies, News or Political ceremonies are eligible.
talk Program
Entries in this category group, Talk Program, are either specials or regularly scheduled programs and include interviews, panel discussion/debate, and host driven formats.
On-Air Talent
Entries in this category group, On-Air Talent, are submissions from personalities and include Hosts, Anchors, Reporters and Correspondents. A body of work from different programs is allowed.
craft
Entries in this category group, Craft, showcase a particular technique which contributes to the sound or performance of the over-all production elements of the program.
Programming Format
Entries in this category group, Programming Format, are submissions of run-of-station or an ongoing program format.
Entries in this category group, Morning Drive/Afternoon Programming, include drive time daypart either morning or afternoon.
Morning Drive/Afternoon Programming
Promotion/Open & ID
Entries in this category group, Promotion/Open & ID are for submissions which promote the brand of a station, network, website, program, or on-air talent.
digital
Entries in the category Group, Digital, include all forms of news including current affairs, entertainment, drama, sports, religious and music programming.
AUDIO BOOK
Entries in this category group, Audio Book, are submissions which are recordings of a text being read in the format of digital files. Entries may be unabridged or telescoped.
PODCAST
Entries in this category group, Podcast, are submissions which are direct to digital.
student
Entries in this category group, Student, are created by students. Entries may be short form or long form.
SPECIALTY AWARD
National Press Club Award
The National Press Club is the World’s Leading Professional Organization for Journalists™ and partners with New York Festivals to honor journalists who are using their talents to tell the stories that matter and keep listeners informed. The National Press Club Award is given to the highest scoring news program across the Breaking News Story Coverage, Continuing News Story Coverage, Nonfiction Series and News Podcast categories.
SPECIALTY AWARD
JusticeAid Award
Formed to promote justice through the arts and public engagement, JusticeAid has partnered with New York Festivals to create an exclusive new award. The JusticeAid Award will be awarded to the highest scoring submission across all Social Justice categories in the NYF TV & Film and Radio competitions.
Sponsors and partners
Our sponsors and partners make all the difference.
A big thank you to them all!