The Telkom Radio Awards is gearing up for its milestone 15th edition, and this year brings a significant development with the appointment of Grant Nash as head judge. With over two decades of experience in broadcasting, media education, and content strategy, Nash’s role signals a new era of strengthened integrity and transparency in the judging process.
Strengthening the Judging Process
As head judge, Nash will lead the review and refinement of judging criteria, oversee the allocation of judges, validate entries, and moderate final results. This move, according to Lyndon Barends, MD: strategic partnerships and events at Arena Holdings, is a proactive step to strengthen credibility, ensure fairness, and adapt to the evolving audio landscape.
“We’re proud to have the benefit of Grant’s industry experience to further cement the Telkom Radio Awards as a much-anticipated event in the radio industry’s calendar,” says Barends.
From Behind the Mic to Leading the Judges
For Nash, this appointment is deeply personal. “The Telkom South African Radio Awards holds a very special place for me as a previous winner, and I’m proud to now play a part in shaping its future,” he reflects.
Nash’s journey began at TuksFM, before going on to co-host the award-winning Grant and Anele Show on both 947 and 5FM. He later served as programme manager at both stations, gaining a reputation for his ability to craft compelling radio experiences.
Currently, Nash is academic and knowledge manager at Boston Media House, co-author of Next Level Radio (South Africa’s first radio and communications textbook) and is pursuing his PhD in Philosophy at the University of Johannesburg.
Shaping the Future of Radio
“These awards not only celebrate excellence across the industry but also inspire what the medium can become in the years ahead,” Nash explains. “I’m committed to ensuring the judging process remains valid, robust, and rigorous, so that the awards continue to represent the very best of South African radio and audio, today and tomorrow.”
Categories that Spotlight Creativity and Innovation
The 2025 edition will feature a diverse range of categories that highlight the creativity and innovation driving South African radio:
Programme categories: Breakfast Show, Drive Time, Music Show, News and Actuality, Drama, Sports, and Community Projects
Presenter categories: Morning, Afternoon, Night, Sports, and Field Reporters
Technical and creative categories: Station Imaging, Content Production, Radio Innovation, and Multi-Channel Promotion
Digital media categories: Best Internet Radio Show and Best Podcast
Special categories: Station Manager’s Choice, Hall of Fame, and Bright Star Awards
A Date for the Industry Calendar
The Telkom Radio Awards remain a pivotal platform for recognising excellence in the industry. Finalists will be announced in October 2025, with the official awards ceremony taking place later in the year.
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