FAQs

2026 Radio Mercury Awards

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When does Call for Entry open?

Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

When is the deadline for entries?

Monday, April 6, 2026.

How do I win a Radio Mercury Award?

Start by entering! If you're proud of the radio and/or audio work you created, and it ran and/or aired between January 1, 2025, and up until April 6, 2026, and you want it to be recognized, the Radio Mercury Awards should be on your must-enter list.

What's new in the awards?

  • Entry is open in almost every category to radio, streaming audio and spectrum/airwaves work. (See entry guidelines for more information.)
  • You can enter work that includes a combination of radio, streaming audio and spectrum/airwaves. (See entry guidelines for more information.)
  • We have updated several categories to reflect the type of work being created now by agencies; advertisers; production and audio companies; radio stations, groups and networks:
    • Single Placed Spot: Podcast
    • Use of Directing & Performance (Single Spot)
    • Use of Radio/Audio Technology (Single Work)

View the full awards slate here.

What remains unchanged in the Radio Mercury Awards?

Everything you love about the Radio Mercury Awards remains intact:

  • Classic categories for single spots and campaigns, locally produced spots, Spanish-language spots and more.
  • No late fees for entries.
  • $10,000 Best of Show.
  • Free entry for our student-produced category.

Who can enter?

The competition is open to agencies, advertisers, production companies, audio companies, radio stations, groups or networks. Learn more about our entry guidelines. We also have a student category.

What categories are open to radio commercials and campaigns?

Almost every category is open to radio work. Learn more about our entry guidelines.

Can I submit streaming audio or spectrum/airwaves work?

Yes. Almost every category is open to streaming audio and spectrum/airwaves work. Learn more about our entry guidelines.

Can I enter a spot that aired within a podcast?

Yes. That work would be entered into our "Single Placed Spot-Podcast" category.

Can I enter Spanish-language spots?

Yes. You can enter the "Single Spot-Spanish-Language" category. You can also enter Spanish-Language work into any category. Learn more about our entry guidelines.

Can I enter work into more than one category?

Yes. Learn more about our entry guidelines for specific categories.

I have more questions that aren't listed here.

We are happy to help! Email us here or call 212-681-7212.