The Radio Academy has opened nominations for the 2025 edition of its annual “30 Under 30” list, recognizing emerging talent across the U.K. radio and audio sector.
Now in its 15th year, the initiative honors 30 individuals under the age of 30 who have shown outstanding tenacity, creativity and leadership potential. Nominations are open until Sept. 1.
The list reflects a broad spectrum of roles — from presenters, producers and editors to technicians, trainers and brand specialists — spanning major broadcasters, independent companies, podcast platforms and freelancers. Individuals can nominate themselves, while Radio Academy members may put forward colleagues who have stood out over the past 12 months.
If you’re under 30 and driving innovation in radio or audio — whether in a creative, commercial, production, digital or technical role — we want to hear from you
Jimmy Buckland, director of strategy and operations at News Broadcasting
Dixi Stewart, managing director of The Radio Academy, said, “Since its launch in 2011, the ’30 Under 30′ list has become established as one of the great honors of a young audio professional’s career, with many of our alumni going on to senior leadership roles across the industry.” She noted that previous honorees include Crowd Network’s Steve Jones, BBC presenter Yasmin Evans and News UK’s Jimmy Buckland, who is chairing this year’s judging panel.
Buckland, director of strategy and operations at News Broadcasting, said, “’30 Under 30′ celebrates the brightest young minds shaping the future of audio and is truly a showpiece event in The Radio Academy’s calendar. If you’re under 30 and driving innovation in radio or audio — whether in a creative, commercial, production, digital or technical role — we want to hear from you.”
Lewis Ness, part of the 2024 cohort, said, “For me, being included in the ’30 Under 30′ has been brilliant. The opportunities to get involved with the ARIAS and other industry events, and to meet a range of great people, have been a major upside. This, and the esteem the list is held in, has made it a highlight of my career so far.”
Nominations are open now via The Radio Academy’s awards site here and close Sept. 1.
You can find more information and view previous honorees here.
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