2020 Radio Mercury Awards Become Virtual

The Radio Mercury Awards has announced a shift to the 2020 awards competition, a new slate of award categories and a virtual event in lieu of the previously publicized NYC event. Submissions to the 2020 Radio Mercury Awards are free and open to agencies, advertisers, radio stations/groups, production companies and students. There will be no 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.

Per the 2020 mission statement, “The 2020 Radio Mercury Awards will offer a capsule of the creative activity taking place now – the best ideas turned into radio and audio – authentic, honest, humorous and inspiring. It is work that is both a storyteller and a story-doer.”

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.

Erika Farber

“The Radio Mercury Awards has a long-lasting heritage and reputation in recognizing outstanding radio creative,” noted Erica Farber, President and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau. “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.”

“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,” noted Robin Fitzgerald, CCO, BBDO Atlanta and Chief Judge for the Radio Mercury Awards. “The Radio Mercury Awards is wrapping its arms around this moment and celebrating the work that is rising to the challenge.”

Honorees will be announced via a livestream event at 7 p.m. ET on October 6, 2020.

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 mercury@rab.com.