A number of well-known radio broadcasters and DJs have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.
Carl Cox has been awarded an OBE for services to music. The DJ and broadcaster has been a major figure in dance music for more than four decades, performing around the world and presenting shows on radio and online platforms.
Broadcaster and musician Cerys Matthews has also been awarded an OBE for services to music. The former Catatonia singer presents programmes on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music and was previously made an MBE in 2014.
Among those receiving MBEs is broadcaster George Bowie, recognised for services to radio and charity in Glasgow and the west of Scotland. Bowie has hosted breakfast on Clyde 1 for almost three decades and is known for his fundraising work with charities across Scotland.
Speaking about the honour, Bowie said he was “delighted” to receive it. He added: “I’m lucky enough to work with a great group of people.” Reflecting on the recognition, he said the award was “amazing” and praised the support of his family, particularly his mother.
DJ and broadcaster Julius O’Riordan, better known as Judge Jules, has been awarded an MBE for services to music, entertainment law and young people. The former BBC Radio 1 presenter said the honour felt like “a reward for my industry”.
Speaking to the Press Association, he said: “I’m very proud, but I’m very shocked in equal measures. I genuinely don’t consider it a reward solely to me. It’s more of an acknowledgement of what my industry means to Britain.”
Judge Jules added that electronic music had grown from a “cottage industry” into a global business and said the honour recognised the contribution of British dance music culture.
Broadcaster Anneka Rice has also been awarded an MBE for services to charity and broadcasting, while veteran BBC sport presenter Garry Richardson receives an MBE for services to sport broadcasting following a career spanning more than four decades.
At BEM level, Neil Blanks has been recognised for services to hospital radio in Gosport and Portsmouth.
The honours recognise contributions across commercial radio, BBC broadcasting, sports broadcasting, community radio and the UK’s music industry.
