AudioUK’s Audio Production Awards are now open for entries, with new categories recognising work across radio and audio.
The APAs return for their sixteenth year with Audible again confirmed as headline sponsor, celebrating production, presenting, audiobooks, sound design and podcasts from across the UK audio industry.
Six additions and changes have been made to the category list for 2026. Executive Producer of the Year, International Breakthrough Award, Experimental Sound Design and Best Use of Video are new, while Non Fiction Audiobook and Ensemble Cast become standalone categories.
There are 30 categories in total, including awards for production companies, publishers or networks, producers and executive producers. The Kids Content category also returns, with entries judged by children.
Chris Baughen, Chief Executive of AudioUK, said: “The APAs celebrate the people behind the podcasts, audiobooks and radio we all love: the producers, editors, sound designers, presenters, writers and teams whose creativity brings great ideas to life.”
He added: “I’m also delighted to welcome back Audible as our headline partner and grateful to Amazon Music for continuing to support our Pay What You Can scheme.”
Entries opened at 12pm on Wednesday 1 July, with an early bird period running until Sunday 30 August. The final deadline is Wednesday 16 September at 2pm, with no late extension planned.
The Awards Ceremony is at the BFI, London, Southbank on Thursday 26th November.
AudioUK members and non members can enter through the APAs website. The Pay What You Can scheme is also returning with Amazon Music support for entrants facing financial constraints.
The APAs from AudioUK – Categories for 2026:
INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM OF PRODUCERS WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER
● Arts & Culture
● Audio Drama
● Best Use of Video
● Branded Content
● Comedy
● Entertainment
● Experimental Sound Design
● Factual / Documentary
● Fiction Audiobook
● History
● Kids Content
● Lifestyle & Society
● Music
● News / Politics
● Non Fiction Audiobook
● Sound Design
● Sports
● True Crime
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
● Executive Producer of the Year
● Narrator
● New Producer
● New Voice
● Presenter / Host
● Producer of the Year
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
● Ensemble Cast
● Presenting Team
COMPANY / ORGANISATION AWARDS
● International Breakthrough Award
● Network or Publisher of the Year
● Production Company of the Year
IMPACT & SPECIAL AWARDS
● Changemaker Award
● AudioUK Award
All category descriptions and eligibility criteria can be found here.
