This category will recognise work that enriches public appreciation of arts and culture by offering fresh insight, elevating underrepresented voices, and presenting cultural stories with integrity, creativity, and depth.

This category is searching for outstanding video content that showcases artistic expression, cultural heritage, or the diverse cultural identities that shape communities. Entries may include documentaries, profiles, cultural explorations that deepen understanding of the arts or illuminate meaningful cultural stories with integrity, creativity, and depth. Singles or series are eligible for this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Strong Factual Storytelling with clear narrative purpose.
• Authentic Representation of artists, communities, or cultural themes.
• High Editorial Standards including accuracy, research, and responsible storytelling.
• Creative Craft with visuals, sound, and structure that enhance the viewing experience.
• Impact showing how the video engages audiences, broadens cultural awareness, or preserves important artistic or cultural knowledge.

AIB Member entry fee – £195

Non-member entry fee – £245

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category celebrates projects that bridge traditional broadcasting and digital media – expanding storytelling possibilities and embracing new ways to connect with audiences.

We are looking to recognise outstanding work that successfully adapts, transforms, or extends television news or current affairs content for digital platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Entries should demonstrate how a bulletin, individual story or an editorial concept has been creatively reimagined for digital audiences through innovative format shifts, platform‑specific storytelling, or enhanced engagement strategies.

We are looking for social media adaptations, online shorts derived from broadcast content, interactive or immersive extensions, or multiplatform storytelling that brings television journalism or factual programming to new audiences on social and emerging digital platforms.

This award is for work repurposed for organic growth on social platforms. Any work used for paid promotions is not eligible.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Effective Adaptation showing how the content was thoughtfully repurposed for digital consumption.
• Creativity and Innovation using digital tools, formats, or storytelling techniques that go beyond traditional broadcast.
• Audience Engagement and Impact demonstrating how the digital version reaches, interacts with, or grows new audiences.

AIB Member entry fee – £195

Non-member entry fee – £245

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category will reward news teams and journalists who excel in delivering timely, trustworthy, and compelling coverage when it matters most.

This category recognises outstanding daily news reporting or breaking news coverage in video, produced under the pressure of rapidly developing events. Entries should demonstrate exceptional speed, clarity, accuracy, and editorial judgement in delivering urgent news to audiences as events unfold.

Submissions may include coverage of sudden events, major incidents, conflict, crises, fast‑moving political stories, or immediate on‑scene reporting. Programmes must reflect the highest standards of responsible journalism, even under demanding real‑time conditions.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Accuracy and Verification in fast-paced reporting.

• Clarity and Coherence presenting developing events in a way audiences can easily understand.

• Strong Editorial Decision-Making including responsible handling of incomplete or emerging information.

• Journalistic Courage and Professionalism particularly in challenging or unpredictable environments.

• Impact and Relevance showing how the coverage informed the public at a critical moment.

• Effective use of Video including visuals, sound, and live or near-live storytelling that enhances viewer understanding.

This category celebrates documentaries that shine a light on the issues shaping life at home, and are thought‑provoking, truthful, and deeply connected to domestic realities.

This category recognises outstanding factual documentaries that explore issues, events, or lived experiences within a nation’s domestic sphere. Entries should demonstrate strong journalism, compelling storytelling, and the ability to illuminate topics of significant relevance within the country.

Eligible submissions may include social‑issue documentaries, community‑based stories, cultural or societal explorations, or programmes that offer insight into challenges and developments affecting domestic life. Programmes must be rooted in factual accuracy, authentic voices, and responsible editorial practice. Singles or series are eligible for this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Editorial Rigour supported by careful research and clear narrative structure.
• Authenticity presenting contributors and communities with respect and integrity.
• Insight and Relevance showing why the issue matters within the domestic context.
• Impact demonstrating how the documentary deepens understanding, sparks discussion, or reveals new perspectives.
• Strong Production Craft using visuals, sound, and structure to enhance clarity and storytelling power.

AIB Member entry fee – £195

Non-member entry fee – £245

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category honours work that deepens global awareness and contributes to informed public dialogue through courageous, accurate, and impactful international reporting.

This category recognises exceptional factual documentaries that explore international events, global issues, geopolitical dynamics, and cross‑border stories shaping the world today. Entries can explore foreign policy, conflict, international relations, humanitarian crises, migration, global economics, geopolitical tensions, cultural diplomacy, or the lived experiences of people affected by international developments.

Submissions should offer rigorous journalism, strong factual accuracy, and insightful storytelling that illuminates complex international contexts. Entries may include on‑the‑ground reporting, deeply human narratives, or analysis that helps audiences understand global challenges and their wider implications. Singles and series are eligible in this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Editorial Excellence with a clear narrative structure and robust research.
• Global Relevance addressing issues with international impact or significance.
• Authentic perspectives drawing on credible voices, eyewitness accounts, or expert insight.
• Responsible and Ethical Reporting especially in sensitive or high-risk environments.
• Impact demonstrating how the documentary enhances public understanding or sparks meaningful discussion about global affairs.
• Strong Production Craft supporting clarity, accuracy, and compelling storytelling.

AIB Member entry fee – £195

Non-member entry fee – £245

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category will reward journalism that holds power to account and delivers compelling, fact‑driven storytelling that serves the public interest.

This category recognises outstanding investigative documentary work that uncovers new information, exposes wrongdoing, or reveals issues of significant public interest. Entries should demonstrate rigorous research, strong editorial judgment, and a commitment to accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting.

Eligible submissions may involve long‑form investigations, undercover work, data‑led analysis, whistle‑blower testimony, or deep examinations of systems, institutions, or social issues. Programmes should bring clarity and accountability to matters that affect individuals, communities, or wider society. Singles and series are eligible in this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Strong Investigative Depth supported by credible evidence and original findings.
• Clear narrative structure that explains complex issues with accuracy and accessibility.
• Authentic Voices and Sources represented ethically and transparently.
• Impact demonstrating how the investigation informs public understanding, leads to change, or sparks meaningful debate.
• Production Quality that enhances clarity without compromising factual integrity.

AIB Member entry fee – £195

Non-member entry fee – £245

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category recognises outstanding factual programmes or series that employ the observational mode — capturing events, environments, and people with minimal intervention from the filmmaker.

This category celebrates immersive, real‑time storytelling that places audiences inside authentic situations, allowing stories, characters, and moments to emerge naturally through close observation rather than narration or presenter‑led structure. Entries may explore any subject — from social issues and culture to institutions, science, the environment, politics, or everyday life — as long as the approach is primarily observational. Singles or series are eligible for this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Authentic Access to people, places, or situations
• Real, Unrehearsed Moments captured without intervention
• Observation-led Storytelling with minimal narration or staging
• Clear Narrative Flow shaped by real events
• Meaningful Impact — emotional, intellectual, or social

AIB Member entry fee – £195

Non-member entry fee – £245

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category celebrates programmes that help audiences make sense of the political and economic forces shaping their world through clear, accurate, and compelling video journalism.

This category recognises outstanding video journalism or factual programming that explores political developments, governance, public policy, economics, finance, corporate activity, or the intersection of politics and business. Entries should demonstrate strong editorial rigour, clear storytelling, and an ability to explain complex political or economic issues in a way that is accessible and engaging for audiences.

Submissions may include political reporting, economic analysis, business investigations, profiles of political or business leaders, examinations of policy impacts, or coverage of significant political or commercial events. Programmes can be investigative, explanatory, or observational in style, as long as they maintain factual accuracy and contribute to informed public understanding. Singles or series are eligible for this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Editorial Depth and Accuracy supported by strong research and credible sources.
• Clarity presenting political or business issues in an understandable and engaging way.
• Insight revealing context, consequences, or new perspectives on governance or economic activity.
• Public Relevance exploring why the issue matters to citizens, consumers, or society.
• Ethical and Balanced Reporting showing fairness, responsibility, and transparency.
• High Production Standards including strong visuals, sound, and narrative structure.

AIB Member entry fee – £195

Non-member entry fee – £245

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category celebrates work that informs, motivates, and empowers audiences by showcasing the people, ideas, and discoveries shaping a more sustainable and scientifically informed future.

 This category recognises outstanding factual content that explores sustainability through the critical intersections of environment, science, and nature. Entries can highlight the challenges facing our planet, the scientific understanding that underpins sustainability efforts, or the natural systems and species that depend on responsible stewardship.

Eligible submissions may examine climate change, conservation, biodiversity, ecological science, environmental justice, community‑driven sustainability initiatives, innovative climate solutions, or the impact of human behaviour on ecosystems and natural resources. Singles or series are eligible for this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Scientific and Factual Integrity supported by credible research, data, and expert insight.
• Clear and Engaging Storytelling making complex environmental or scientific themes accessible and relevant.
• Authenticity and Ethical Representation especially when portraying wildlife, ecosystems, or communities directly affected by environmental issues.
• Creative use of visuals or audio to strengthen emotional resonance and understanding.
• Impact demonstrating how the content increases public awareness, inspires action, or contributes meaningfully to conversations about sustainability and the natural world.

AIB Member entry fee – £140

Non-member entry fee – £175

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category celebrates audio work that brings arts and culture to life, and that is informative, creative, and deeply engaging for listeners.

This category recognises outstanding audio storytelling that explores artistic expression, cultural heritage, creative practice, and the diverse cultural identities that shape communities. Entries may include documentaries, features, podcasts, profiles, performance‑based audio, or cultural explorations that deepen listener understanding of the arts, artists, or cultural experiences.

Programmes may highlight creative processes, cultural traditions, emerging or established artists, community arts projects, or the social and historical contexts that influence artistic work. Singles or series are eligible.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Storytelling and Narrative Quality – Engaging presentation of artistic and cultural topics.
• Engaging Audio Craft using sound design, interviews, and narrative techniques to enhance immersion.
• Insight and Originality offering new perspectives on arts or cultural subjects.
• Impact demonstrating how the programme enriches cultural understanding or broadens access to the arts.

AIB Member entry fee – £140

Non-member entry fee – £175

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category celebrates audio work that informs, supports, and inspires, shining a light on the issues that shape people’s health, social lives, and overall wellbeing.

This category recognises outstanding audio journalism and factual storytelling that explores issues related to physical and mental health, social care, community wellbeing, and the experiences of individuals or groups navigating these areas. Entries should demonstrate sensitivity, clarity, and strong editorial judgement when presenting personal stories or dealing with vulnerable individuals.

Eligible submissions may include podcasts, radio features, documentary‑style audio, or current‑affairs pieces that address topics such as healthcare systems, lived experience, mental health, social inequality, caregiving, disability, public health initiatives, or community‑led wellbeing projects. Singles and series are eligible in this category.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Editorial Integrity and Accuracy.
• Authentic and Respectful Representation of contributors and their experiences.
• Clear, Engaging Narrative helping listeners understand complex or emotive issues.
• Innovative and Effective use of Audio including sound, scripting, and interviews that enhance emotional connection.
• Impact demonstrating how the programme raises awareness, reduces stigma, or contributes to meaningful public understanding.

AIB Member entry fee – £140

Non-member entry fee – £175

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category recognises outstanding achievement in creative, original, and innovative audio production.

Entries should demonstrate how innovative techniques, format experimentation, or inventive use of sound elevate storytelling and enhance listener engagement.

Eligible submissions may include documentaries, podcasts, audio features, sound‑rich narratives, or experimental formats that push the boundaries of traditional audio. Innovation may be shown through sound design, narrative structure, recording approach, technology use, or fresh editorial concepts.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Creative use of Audio including soundscapes, mixing, pacing, or structure that enhances the story.
• Originality showing a new approach to how audio journalism or factual storytelling is crafted.
• Technical Excellence with high-quality production values that support clarity and immersion.
• Editorial Strength where innovation serves the story without overshadowing accuracy or purpose.
• Impact demonstrating how the innovative approach deepened understanding, improved accessibility, or strengthened audience connection.

Entry fee – £100

All UK entrants will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This category celebrates journalists who exemplify excellence in the audio medium and demonstrate dedication to the highest standards of factual storytelling.

This category honours an individual journalist who has demonstrated exceptional excellence in audio journalism. The award recognises reporters or presenters whose body of audio work reflects outstanding storytelling skill, editorial integrity, and a commitment to delivering impactful journalism that informs, engages, and serves the public interest.

Showreels may include podcasts, radio reports, investigative audio features, documentary series, current affairs programmes, or any factual audio content where the journalist’s individual contribution and journalistic achievement are clear.

The award recognises journalists who consistently demonstrate:

• Editorial Courage and Integrity pursuing challenging stories with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.
• Strong Journalistic Craft including research, newsgathering, interviews, and clear narrative construction.
• Impactful Reporting that deepens understanding, prompts public discussion, or leads to meaningful change.
• Ethical Conduct especially when reporting in sensitive, dangerous, or high-pressure environments.

AIB Member entry fee – £140

Non-member entry fee – £175

All UK entries will need to add VAT at the current rate of 20%

This award is for audio news teams and journalists who excel in delivering trustworthy, timely, and compelling coverage when speed, clarity, and accuracy matter most.

This category recognises outstanding audio news coverage that delivers timely, accurate, and engaging reporting on significant events. Entries should demonstrate strong newsgathering skills, clear editorial judgement, and the ability to communicate fast‑moving or developing stories with precision and impact.

Eligible submissions can include bulletins, news reports, breaking‑news coverage, live or near‑live reporting, rolling news updates, or continuing coverage of unfolding events. Coverage must uphold the highest standards of responsible journalism while making effective use of the audio medium.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Accuracy and Verification even under tight deadlines.
• Clarity and Coherence presenting events in a way that is easy to understand.
• Strong Editorial Decision-Making responsibly handling emerging or incomplete information.
• Public Relevance showing why the news story matters.
• Impact demonstrating how the coverage informed audiences or shaped understanding during a critical moment.