The Radio Academy — the U.K. charity that promotes excellence in audio and radio — has announced the Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 for 2025, highlighting young professionals the organization says are shaping the future of the sector. Aiir, which provides online services and products to broadcast radio stations, was again the main sponsor.
Each year, the Academy selects 30 people under the age of 30 who it says demonstrate outstanding skill, innovation and impact across radio and audio. The 2025 list includes content creators, presenters, producers, journalists and sound engineers, representing both freelancers and staff at major broadcast and podcast platforms. According to the Academy, the list reflects the breadth of talent in the U.K. audio industry.
Past 30 Under 30 recipients include ITV presenter Ben Shephard, BBC broadcaster Emma Barnett, Goalhanger head of development Nicole Logan, BBC Radio 3 and Proms controller Sam Jackson and BBC Asian Network head Ahmed Hussain.
Creativity and commercial flair
Dixi Stewart, managing director of The Radio Academy, said, “It’s an honor to announce the Aiir Radio Academy 30 Under 30 for 2025. This is one of the most prestigious accolades in the audio industry, and since its launch in 2011, it’s become established as an accurate predictor of career success, with many of our alumni going on to senior leadership roles across the sector. Congratulations to these 30 truly impressive young people, I’m delighted by their talent and excited for the audio future they are creating.”
Jimmy Buckland, chair of the 30 Under 30 judging committee, director of strategy at News Broadcasting and a 30 Under 30 alumnus, said, “Audio is undergoing rapid transformation. So, it was an incredible privilege to judge this year’s entries and see evidence of the creativity and commercial flair that will carry the sector forward in the years to come. These 30 young people represent the very best of our industry and it’s an honor to showcase their success.”
Aiir CEO Ricki Lee said, “At Aiir, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of radio talent. The 30 Under 30 initiative shines a light on the creativity and energy driving our industry forward, and we’re proud to help champion their success.”
You can find the full 2025 list here.
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