New category launched for the Young Audio Awards 2022

Jordan North, Vick Hope, Ken Bruce, Jordan and Perri are helping to launch the Young Audio Awards complete with a new category for 2022.

The national awards, run for 8-to 18-year-olds, will introduce a new ‘My Year in Audio’ category in collaboration with mental health charity YoungMinds.

Within the entry, under 18s across the UK are being called upon to use phones, tablets or microphones to record their thoughts about the past 24 months, with the aim to encourage young people to share their reflections and emotions over this time of world change and pandemic adjustment.

The award welcomes a wide range of audio observations and reflections including how young people have coped during the pandemic, advice for others and sharing lessons learnt. The audio entry could be in the form of a podcast or radio show, an interview, a piece of poetry or more.

The Awards have also provided teachers with a film featuring BBC Radio 1’s Jordan North and Vick Hope, KISS’ Jordan and Perri and Tyler West, alongside BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce, informing entrants about the awards and the new category.

A classroom resource and lesson plan are also available for education providers to download, so students can begin to create their audio entries from school.

All information regarding the YoungMinds award entry can be found via the dedicated website here.

Now in its third year, the Young Audio Awards is run by Radiocentre and supported by both BBC and commercial radio. Categories include BBC Sounds Rising Talent Award, Arqiva Award for Technical Excellence, Achievement within the Community, School Radio Station of the Year, Most Innovative Team – Sponsored by Broadcast Bionics and Best Podcast with Acast.

Past winners have been given a link to the audio sector, with prizes such as shows on national radio station Fun Kids, masterclass events with radio presenters and producers, new recording equipment as well as an invitation to an event at the UK Parliament.

Radiocentre’s Head of Marketing and Young Audio Awards organiser George Butler said: “After a challenging few years for young people, we want schools across the UK to use audio as a medium of expression.

“We hope our fun assembly video and teacher resource will help fill classrooms with the sound of creative audio and ultimately inspire the next generation of content creators into a career in audio.”

Tom Madders, Director of Campaigns at mental health charity YoungMinds said: “We are delighted to be launching the ‘My Year in Audio with YoungMinds’ awards category this year to encourage young people to talk about how they got through the pandemic.

“Many young people have told us that they have struggled during the past year as they lost their coping mechanisms, their daily routine and had to deal with social isolation and fear about the future.

“Sharing how you coped or giving advice to other young people is a powerful reminder to anyone listening that you are not alone with your mental health and it’s okay to reach out for support if you need it.

“If you have a keen interest in audio and are aged 8-18, we can’t wait to hear your entry!”

Rebecca Frank, KISS Content Director: “Here at KISS we’re so excited to support the search for more amazing young talent with the return of the Young Audio Awards. We know how important it is to open doors for young people from all backgrounds and can’t wait to give the next generation of broadcasting stars a platform to launch their career.”

Jonathan Wall, Controller of BBC Sounds, said: “I’m really pleased we’re part of the Young Audio Awards again which help to support brilliant new talent with a passion for radio and podcasts, just as we are with our BBC Sounds Audio Lab programme. We know how tough the pandemic has been for many young people and the importance of supporting mental wellbeing, so it’s great that this year the awards are demonstrating the power of audio by encouraging people to share their experiences.”

The awards are supported by Acast, Arqiva, BBC Sounds, Broadcast Bionics, Fun Kids, KISS, YoungMinds and BBC Young Reporter. It’s free to enter. All details including full list of categories can be found by visiting YoungAudioAwards.co.uk.

The entry process closes in mid-February with shortlist of nominations announced mid-March.