Launching ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 list
The hunt has started for the UK audio industry’s ‘Ones To Watch’, as the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 2024 has opened for entries.
The annual initiative, which has been running for 14 years, has launched tonight at an event bringing together 30 Under 30 alumni, sponsors ReelWorld, and trustees and members of The Radio Academy.
Entries are now open until 15 August. The 2024 list of 30 exceptionally talented young people in the business will be unveiled later this year.
Each year the list features the 30 people under the age of 30 who have shown exceptional tenacity, talent and a proven trajectory in radio and audio. They are the people who The Radio Academy thinks will lead the industry into a bright and bold future, demonstrating passion, skill, and an understanding of the medium that shows they have the future in their sights.
Featuring content creators, editors, presenters, producers, production managers, engineers, brand specialists and more, from freelancers and independent companies to major broadcasters and podcast platforms, the list showcases the sheer breadth and diversity of talent working in the UK audio and radio industry today. People can nominate themselves and Radio Academy members can nominate others who they’ve been impressed by working in UK audio and radio for at least 12 months.
The Radio Academy MD, Aradhna Tayal Leach, said:
“Since its launch in 2011, being included in the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 list has become established as one of the great honours of a young audio professional’s career, with many of our alumni going on to senior leadership roles in the industry. Well-known figures to have featured on the list in previous years include Crowd Network’s Steve Jones, presenter Yasmin Evans and our very own chair of the committee Jimmy Buckland, along with a host of others who have received the award at an early stage in their career and gone on to global success. This year will be no different and we can’t wait to unveil the list later this year.”
Chairing the 30 Under 30 Judging Committee, Jimmy Buckland, Director of Strategy & Operations at News Broadcasting, said:
“As a former alum myself and watching others have who made the list progress through their careers over the years, I know that a place in the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 can act as a great reference or accolade on a CV.
I’m delighted to chair and bring together a team of judges from across the audio industry to debate and decide on the next Class of 2024. I look forward to reading the applications that remind us all that the future of our industry is in safe hands.”
Long-term sponsor and Managing Director of ReelWorld Europe Anthony Gay, said:
“The ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 remains a highlight of our year. The entire team at ReelWorld is passionate about the power of sound and this initiative is an inspiring glimpse into the future and a reminder why we love this industry. Those who make the final 30 will be at the forefront of the industry, taking radio and audio in new and exciting directions. Good luck to everyone who is entering.”
Abi Simpson, Class of 2023 and now Breakfast Newsgathering Editor for England and Wales, Bauer Media said:
“Being chosen as one of the Radio Academy’s 30 under 30 was a really proud moment for me in my career, and not one I’ll forget anytime soon. It’s really validating to see your name on a list alongside such talented people thriving in the industry we all love. If you’re on the fence about applying, my advice would be back yourself 100% and give it a go… you never know what might happen!”
Entries for the ReelWorld Radio Academy 30 Under 30 are now open via The Radio Academy’s award site (https://bit.ly/30Under30Apply) and close on 15 August 2024. Individuals can put themselves forward or be nominated by another Radio Academy Member. For entries, more information and to find previous 30 Under 30 alumni lists, visit www.radioacademy.org/30-under-30/