A new slate of award categories, along with a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s wrath on the Big Apple, are the big takeaways from the official announcement that submissions are now being welcomed for the 2020 Radio Mercury Awards.
The other major news involves the awards tied to the competition. There won’t be any prize monies or trophies given in 2020. “This decision comes in consultation with the Radio Mercury Awards Advisory Council and the Radio Advertising Bureau’s Executive Committee,” the organizers announced Tuesday.
However, current Radio Mercury Awards entrants will have their work automatically moved into the 2021 competition. Additionally, 2020 winners will be automatically entered into the 2021 competition.
Honorees will be announced via a livestream event at 7pm Eastern on October 6.
Submissions to the 2020 Radio Mercury Awards are free and open to agencies, advertisers, radio stations/groups, production companies and students.
“The Radio Mercury Awards has a long-lasting heritage and reputation in recognizing outstanding radio creative,” said RAB President/CEO Erica Farber. “The advertising and radio industries have put a lot of heart and soul into serving their consumers during COVID-19, and we are looking forward to honoring the excellence of the creative community.”
BBDO Atlanta Chief Creative Officer and RMA Chief Judge Robin Fitzgerald added, “We are living in a very unique time, and there isn’t a better medium to create a time capsule of what’s currently happening than radio. The Radio Mercury Awards is wrapping its arms around this moment and celebrating the work that is rising to the challenge.”
There will be a total of 12 winners in nine categories: “Best Creative Radio Spot,” “Best Brand Action Spot,” “Best Spot for a Cause,” “Best Use of Humor in a Spot,” “Best DIY Radio Spot,” “Best Use of Audio,” “Best Use of Sound/Music,” “Best Radio Station/Group Promotional Spot” and “Best Student Radio Script.”
For complete submission guidelines and eligibility requirements along with a video interview with Chief Judge Robin Fitzgerald discussing this announcement, please go to www.radiomercuryawards.com or contact [email protected].
