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The Radio Academy — the United Kingdom’s membership charity dedicated to promoting excellence in audio and radio — has announced its “30 under 30” list in collaboration with ReelWorld. The list is a celebration of those still aged under 30 considered at the top of their game in audio. The Radio Academy released the names on Thursday, 23 Nov., on its social media channels, where each of the thirty people briefly replied in their own words about their career highlights.
Featuring content creators, news editors, presenters, producers, production managers and more, from independent companies to major broadcasters and podcast platforms, the 2023 list showcases the sheer breadth and diversity of talent working in the U.K. audio and radio industry today.
Stars featured on the list in previous years include Crowd Network’s Steve Jones, radio and TV presenter Yasmin Evans, and many others who received the award early in their career and went on to global success.
This year’s list is no different. The Radio Academy welcomed hundreds of nominations through a highly competitive judging process to present its list of thirty for 2023. The Radio Academy’s Managing Director, Aradhna Tayal Leach, said, “The list features the champions of radio and audio who have demonstrated passion, skill and an understanding of the medium that shows a dedication to our listeners and our audio community. To every professional who applied, not just those who made the final list, I hope you feel proud of your achievements, and I am grateful for you sharing these with us. I wish you every success with the next stage of your career in our amazing industry.”
An inspiring glimpse into radio’s future
Steve Parkinson, chief strategic partnerships and events officer at Bauer Media Audio UK, who steps down as Chair of Judges for 30 Under 30, said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to preside as Chair over such an exciting and popular initiative for the last eleven years. My thanks and appreciation to Jimmy Buckland as he steps into the role, and I very much look forward to reading the names of emerging talent in the years to come.”
Buckland, the incoming Chair of The Radio Academy for 2024, the director of strategy at News Broadcasting, and a member of the first 30 Under 30 in 2011 said, “It’s a special honour to be asked to take over as Chair. I have found it incredibly inspiring to read through the brilliant applications we received this year. The thirty young people who have made this year’s list exemplify the creativity, flair, passion and innovation that are the lifeblood of our industry. Their talent and achievements demonstrate that the future of audio is in safe hands.”
Anthony Gay, managing director of ReelWorld, who has sponsored the Radio Academy’s 30 Under 30 for the past ten years, said the company’s commitment reflects its passion for the future of the audio industry and its belief in the power of sound. “The 30 Under 30 is an inspiring glimpse into that future, and those who make the list are taking radio and audio in new and exciting directions,” said Gay. “The audio landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and alongside the technological advancements, I hold firm to the belief that sharing compelling stories and creating strong emotional connections is at the heart of what we do.”
You can see the complete list of this year’s 30 Under 30 here.
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