The National Association of Broadcasters has opened the nomination period for the 2025 Marconi Radio Awards. This year, the annual awards ceremony will move away from its usual place at the NAB Show New York and instead be celebrated at a standalone gala dinner. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan. The NAB Show New York itself will take place after the gala, on October 22 and 23. This change marks a departure from tradition, as the awards have long been part of the broader NAB conference experience at the Javits Center.
Submissions for the Marconi Awards are due by May 31. The winners, chosen by an independent panel of broadcasters, will be announced during the gala event. The Marconi Awards, named after Nobel Prize-winning radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, have recognized excellence in radio broadcasting since 1989. Categories cover a wide range of achievements, including top stations, standout personalities, and notable content across various formats.
Stations and on-air talent can nominate themselves in over 20 categories. These include honors such as Legendary Station of the Year, Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year, and Best Radio Podcast of the Year. Format-specific categories include Classic Hits Station of the Year and Spanish Language Station of the Year. All nominations must be submitted through the NAB member portal, and entries must comply with the full set of eligibility rules listed on the NAB website. Finalists will be revealed in July ahead of the fall ceremony.
The decision to host the Marconi Awards as a separate gala aims to elevate the experience and spotlight the achievements of the winners in a more focused setting. Moving the event outside of the main convention offers a new format that the NAB hopes will bring added recognition to radio’s top voices and brands. The Edison Ballroom, located in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District, provides an elegant backdrop for the evening. Attendees can expect a formal dinner along with the award presentations. This new approach reflects NAB’s ongoing efforts to adapt and enhance its recognition of excellence in the ever-evolving radio industry.