The shortlist for the IMRO Radio Awards 2026 has been announced and Radio Nova is in the running for 5 awards!
PJ & Jim's competitions for outdoorliving.ie and 123ink.ie are in the running Best On-Air Competition / Promotion and three-time Gold winner Kieran McGuinness is in the running to win the Specialist Music Broadcaster of the Year yet again.
Kieran is also in the running for the Best IMRO Irish Music Programme or Initiative along with our documentary series Headful of Hooks.
The 2026 Awards have once again attracted one of the largest volumes of entries in the history of the event, underlining the continued strength, relevance and ambition of Irish radio. Entries came from across the full breadth of the sector, including national, regional, local, public service and commercial stations, with shortlisted work representing the range of voices, formats and communities that make radio such a powerful part of daily life.
From breaking news and current affairs to music, sport, speech, documentary, entertainment, digital innovation and community-focused broadcasting, this year’s shortlist reflects a sector that continues to evolve while staying deeply connected to its audiences.
The shortlisted entries were selected by an independent judging panel, who reviewed entries from across the island of Ireland. The variety of this year’s shortlist shows the depth of talent on air and behind the scenes, from established names and major networks to local stations delivering outstanding work for their communities.
The IMRO Radio Awards remain one of the most significant honours in Irish broadcasting, recognising excellence, creativity and impact across every part of the radio industry.
The winners will be announced at the IMRO Radio Awards 2026, taking place at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, on Friday, 2 October 2026.
