Grant Nash Appointed Head Judge for 2025 Telkom Radio Awards to Strengthen Integrity and Innovation

Nash will lead the review and refinement of judging criteria, oversee the selection and allocation of judges, validate all entries and moderate the final results to ensure integrity across all categories, says the company.

The Telkom Radio Awards aims to spotlight talent and innovation across South Africa's radio industry and is considered the country's premier celebration of radio, adds the company.

"The appointment of a Head Judge is a proactive step to strengthen judging integrity, improve transparency and adapt to the evolving audio landscape. We're proud to have the benefit of Grant's industry experience to further cement the Telkom Radio Awards as a much anticipated event in the radio industry's calendar," says Lyndon Barends, MD: Strategic Partnerships and Events at Arena Holdings.

With more than two decades of experience in broadcasting, media education and content strategy, Nash aims to bring a blend of industry insight and academic rigour to the judging panel, says the company.

"The Telkom South African Radio Awards holds a very special place for me as a previous winner, and I'm proud to now play a part in shaping its future. These awards not only celebrate excellence across the industry but also inspire what the medium can become in the years ahead. They are pivotal for all radio stakeholders, from broadcasters and producers to advertisers and audiences, shining a light on the creativity, innovation and talent that drive our industry forward," says Nash. 

From his early days at TuksFM to co-hosting the Grant and Anele Show on 947 and 5FM, Nash aims to consistently push the boundaries of radio innovation. His role as Programme Manager at both stations saw the launch of content strategies and mentorship programmes that aimed reshaped audience engagement, says the company.

Currently serving as Academic and Knowledge Manager at Boston Media House, Nash hope to play a role in shaping South Africa's radio education landscape. He is also the co-author of Next Level Radio, the country's first radio and communications textbook, and is completing his PhD in Philosophy at the University of Johannesburg, adds the company.

Judging panels are selected for their expertise and linguistic diversity, ensuring fair and representative evaluation. As Head Judge, Nash will oversee the adjudication process — ensuring diversity across the panel, validating entries, moderating results and leading on integrity measures, says the company.

"I'm committed to ensuring the judging process remains valid, robust and rigorous, so that the awards continue to represent the very best of South African radio and audio, today and tomorrow," says Nash.

The 2025 awards feature an array of categories, including:

• Programme Categories: Breakfast Show, Drive Time, Music Show, News and Actuality, Drama, Sports and Community Projects.
• Presenter Categories: Morning, Afternoon, Night, Sports and Field Reporters.
• Technical and Creative Categories: Station Imaging, Content Production, Radio Innovation and Multi-Channel Promotion.
• Digital Media Categories: Best Internet Radio Show and Best Podcast.
• Special Categories: Station Manager's Choice, Hall of Fame and Bright Star Awards.

The Telkom Radio Awards finalists to be announced in October, concludes the company.

For more information, visit www.telkom.co.za. You can also follow Telkom on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor