Public to Vote in Radio Awards

Provincial and national categories structured for fairness

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24, (February 12, 2026) — Members of the public will play a central role in determining winners of the newly launched Radio Excellence Awards, an annual initiative aimed at recognising outstanding performers in Zambia’s broadcasting sector.

Radio Excellence Limited officially unveiled the Awards today, with voting opening on February 12 and closing on August 31, 2026. The Awards Gala is scheduled to take place in September 2026.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Brenda Bukowa said the initiative is designed to celebrate excellence and strengthen professionalism in radio broadcasting.

Dr. Bukowa said radio remains one of the most accessible and affordable forms of communication in terms of production, access and ownership, and continues to inform, educate and connect communities across the country.

She explained that voting will be conducted through the official website, www.radioxawards.com�, at a minimal fee.

 She encouraged radio practitioners across the country to participate, describing the platform as an opportunity for the industry to recognise its own talent.

Dr. Bukowa said the Awards have been structured to ensure fairness, with both provincial and national categories. 

Under the provincial categories, each province will vote for its own radio stations and presenters.

At the national level, categories include Commercial Radio Stations, Community Radio Stations, Religious Radio Stations and commission-based stations where applicable. 

She said community and commercial stations will compete separately in recognition of their different mandates and operational structures.

Dr. Bukowa further noted that while the public will decide winners in most categories, specialised professional awards such as Best News Story, Best Investigative Report and Best Feature Package will be judged by experts. Journalists in these categories will be required to submit their work for assessment based on quality, structure, impact and adherence to professional standards.

She added that the initiative has already attracted strong support from sponsors, some of whom have pledged a vehicle for the overall Best Journalist of the Year.

Dr. Bukowa also emphasised that social media should complement rather than replace traditional media, urging broadcasters to maintain credibility and high standards while expanding their digital presence.

Launching the Awards, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, Mr. Luise Mwansa, described radio as a trusted and far-reaching platform that continues to inform citizens, shape public discourse and strengthen democracy.

Mr. Mwansa said the Awards aim to promote quality journalism and programming, inspire innovation and recognise outstanding presenters, producers, reporters and stations.

He urged practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness and responsibility, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting a vibrant and ethical broadcasting sector before officially declaring the Radio Excellence Awards launched.