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The United Kingdom’s leading radio and audio industry charity has announced plans to change its name from The Radio Academy to The Audio Academy.
A quote by outgoing Chair Helen Thomas suggests the organization will formally adopt the new name in January 2026. “This is an important moment for the Radio Academy, which I’m proud to announce as I step down as Chair because I want to leave us as the best and most inclusive organisation we can possibly be,” she said at the Radio Academy Festival 2025. Thomas explained that while the Academy remains proud of its history, less than 40% of members now describe themselves as working solely in radio. “So, from January next year, we are proposing to reflect this change, and we will become The Audio Academy. We look forward to continuing our friendship with you and to welcoming many more people from all corners of our ever-expanding industry in the months and years ahead.”
Founded in 1983, the organization supports established and emerging talent through training, networking and events, including the annual Audio & Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS). In 2024, the ARIAS introduced new categories, such as Audio Brand of the Year, won by Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger.
The U.K. radio industry continues to show strength, with over 86% of adults listening weekly, while podcast consumption is on the rise — Edison Research’s “U.K. Podcast Consumer 2025” study reported that 51% of Britons listened to a podcast in the past month. The Academy says the rebrand reflects this diversification, positioning it to represent the full breadth of audio talent across radio, podcasts, streaming and beyond.
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