Verizon has been named the 2025 Radio Marketer of the Year by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in recognition of the company’s strong and sustained use of radio advertising to drive customer engagement and business growth. The award will be formally presented at the Radio Mercury Awards ceremony on June 5 at Sony Hall in New York City.
According to the RAB, Verizon earned the title for its consistent investment in radio across multiple campaigns, particularly those involving sports partnerships, multicultural outreach, and seasonal initiatives. The company has used radio not just to advertise, but to connect with diverse audiences in culturally meaningful ways. Its marketing efforts have ranged from holiday campaigns focused on gift-giving to sports-themed promotions that resonate with passionate fan bases.
Mike Hulvey, president and CEO of the RAB and chair of the Radio Creative Fund, praised the company’s strategy. “Verizon is an incredibly important and valued partner to the radio industry,” said Hulvey. “The brand’s messaging is always culturally relevant, and whether it be their sports integrations to engage fans, holiday promotions to drive gifting occasions, or tapping into the behavioral and consumption desires of multicultural consumers, their creative and effective use of radio to drive growth solidified their selection.”
The honor places Verizon among notable previous winners of the Radio Marketer of the Year award, such as Procter & Gamble and O’Reilly Auto Parts, highlighting its commitment to excellence in radio marketing.
In addition to Verizon’s recognition, the RAB will soon announce the full list of finalists for the 2025 Radio Mercury Awards. Winners will be determined by a panel of final-round judges led by Chief Judge Chad Broude. This year’s awards include new categories developed with Broude’s input, designed to reflect the evolving audio landscape. These include honors specifically for podcast content, streaming campaigns, and outstanding directing.
With this award, Verizon reaffirms its role as a leader in audio advertising and a major advocate for radio’s enduring power as a medium for connection and storytelling.