AudioUK is thrilled to team up with Amazon Music & Wondery again for this year's Audio Production Awards, bringing back the popular Pay What You Can scheme that's been helping creators access the awards since 2021.
Now in its fifteenth year, the APAs continue to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent across podcasting and audio. Whether creators are into comedy podcasts, gripping audiobooks, innovative sound design, or traditional radio, there's something that celebrates their craft.
What's New This Year?
This year brings some exciting changes. Three brand new categories have been added to reflect what's happening in the industry right now. True Crime gets its own category, recognising just how massive this genre has become. There's also a new Branded Content category for those creating standout content for brands that really connects with audiences. And perhaps most importantly, the new Changemaker Award recognises individuals, teams, or organisations that are genuinely making a difference in the industry.
Another game-changer? Most categories are now open to individual producers as well as teams working closely together. This shift acknowledges that many great productions can't be pinned down to just one person's work.
The Little Ears category, which launched in 2024, is back and better than ever. This time, it's being judged by its actual target audience as a fresh way to celebrate the boom in audio content created specifically for younger listeners.
All the Categories You'd Expect (And More)
The awards cover an impressive 23 categories, spanning everything from production excellence in Comedy, Factual & Documentary, Drama & Fiction, Arts, Music, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Society, Audiobooks, and Sound Design. Plus there are numerous on-mic and emerging talent awards.
The big-ticket items remain: Production Company of the Year, Publisher or Network of the Year, and Producer of the Year - awards that can really make a difference to careers.
Making It Accessible
The Pay What You Can scheme remains central to the APAs' mission. As Chloe Straw, Managing Director of AudioUK, explains:
"The ongoing partnership between AudioUK, Amazon Music and Wondery continues to be fundamental to the success of the Pay What You Can scheme. We're proud to continue this collaboration and remain dedicated to making the APAs accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. By doing so, we aim to support meaningful career progression through award recognition and foster greater equity across the industry."
Chris Baughen, Head of UK Podcast Content at Wondery, adds: "It's an honour to continue our work with the Audio Production Awards by supporting the Pay What You Can scheme. We working alongside their team to help open up the opportunity for as many creators to participate in key industry recognition moments is something the team and I take great pride in."
Those who need to access this scheme can get in touch with katie@audioproductionawards.co.uk.
How to Enter
Entries are open now and will close on Wednesday 17th September at 2.00pm - no extensions this year, so don't leave it to the last minute!
There's an Early Bird period running for 10 weeks until Sunday 31st August. During this time, AudioUK Members pay £45+VAT and non-members pay £55+VAT. After that, it's £55+VAT for members and £65+VAT for non-members until the final deadline.
Want to enter? Head to https://tinyurl.com/APAs-2025 for all the category descriptions, eligibility criteria, and entry details.
If you're thinking about joining AudioUK, you can find out more at https://www.audiouk.org.uk/join-us/
Key Dates to Remember
Entries opened: 16th June
Early Bird pricing: Monday 16th June - Sunday 31st August at midnight (10 weeks)
Standard pricing begins: Monday 1st September
Final deadline: Wednesday 17th September at 2PM (no extensions!)
Shortlist announced & tickets on sale: Monday 27th October
Awards Ceremony: Thursday 27th November at the BFI, London, Southbank
Winners announced: Thursday 28th November
The Full Category Breakdown
Individual or Team of Producers Working Closely Together: Arts & Culture, Audiobook, Branded Content, Comedy, Drama & Fiction, Entertainment, Factual/Documentary, Lifestyle & Society, Little Ears, Music, News/Politics, Sound Design, Sport, True Crime
Individual Awards: Narrator, New Producer, New Voice, Presenter/Host, Producer of the Year
Other Awards: Ensemble Cast/Presenting Team, Changemaker Award, Network of Publisher of the Year, Production Company of the Year
You can find detailed descriptions and eligibility criteria at https://tinyurl.com/APAs-2025
Supporters
The APAs wouldn't be possible without sponsors, led by headline sponsor Audible. The awards are also supported by Aiir, BBC Sounds, BetterHelp, Everybody Media, Great Big Story, Morley Radio, and The Podcast Show.
Media partners for 2025 include Content is Content is Queen, Pineapple Audio Production, Podcast Rex, Podnews, Podomedy, Sounds Profitable, Sport Social Podcast Network, Student Radio Association, The Radio Academy and Transmission Roundhouse.
Get in Touch
Katie Banham, Lead Producer, Audio Production Awards: katie@audioproductionawards.co.uk
General enquiries: hello@audioproductionawards.co.uk