Finalists for the prestigious Radio Mercury Awards, the only competition exclusively devoted to radio and audio, were announced today by the Radio Advertising Bureau. A total of 118 radio/audio spots and campaigns made it to the finals with Arnold Worldwide, Highdive, The Studio at iHeartMedia, and Zimmer Communications leading the way as finalist front runners.
The submissions were created by companies from across the audio spectrum, from ad agencies and brands to production companies, radio stations, and students. Finalists include national and local advertisers from categories including automotive, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, healthcare, nonprofits, quick-serve restaurants, retail, telecommunications, travel and hospitality.
“I’ve been a part of the Radio Mercury Awards as an entrant and a judge, and it’s always been an honor, but to be the chief judge and lead the jury to award the best of the best has been amazing,” said Mitch Bennett, 2024 Radio Mercury Awards chief judge. “The work this jury heard led to meaningful conversations about the importance of radio and audio and where they’re headed.”
In addition to Bennett, the final round jury included Danny Alvarez, Executive Creative Director, MEL; Chad Broude, Co-Founder/Co-Chief Creative Officer, Highdive; Marina Cuesta, Group Creative Director, Creyentes; Rachel Dawer, Associate Creative Director, Plot Twist Creativity; Danny Gonzalez, Founder/Co-Chief Creative Officer, Bandits & Friends; Flor Leibaschoff, Co-Founder/Chief Creative Officer, BeautifulBeast and Alan Wilson, Senior VP and Group Creative Director, BBH USA.
“Being in the room where it happens for the first time was incredible,” said Mike Hulvey, President and CEO, RAB and Chair of the Radio Creative Fund. “Hearing the passion and esteem the jury had for radio and audio was exciting, and I look forward to honoring the finalists and awarding the winners at this year’s event.”
Sponsors for the event include dedicated sponsors Audio Milkshake and Beasley Media Group; livestream sponsor Hubbard Radio; participating sponsors Bonneville International, Cumulus Media/Westwood One, Katz Radio Group, Sound+Fury and Xperi; friends of the Radio Mercury Awards sponsors Audacy, CBS News Radio, Connoisseur Media, Cromwell Media, iHeartMedia, Media Monitors, Mr. Master, Neuhoff Media, Nielsen, Skyview Networks, Triton Digital, Townsquare Media, vCreative, World Wide Wadio and Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group. Radio Mercury Awards Donor sponsors include Benztown and Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co.
The winners will be presented on Thursday, June 6 at Sony Hall in New York City. As previously announced, O’Reilly Auto Parts is being awarded Radio Marketer of the Year. View a list of the finalists and listen to the audio HERE.