Radio Mercury Awards Reveal 2026 Finalists

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:21pm CT

Radio Mercury Awards

The Radio Mercury Awards, produced by Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), has announced finalists for its 2026 competition, recognizing excellence in radio and audio advertising.

Now in its 35th year, the awards honor creative work across broadcast radio, streaming audio, podcasts, and other platforms, highlighting audio's role in connecting with audiences and building brands.

Finalists were selected by a panel of industry creatives led by chief judge Danny Gonzalez, co-chief creative officer and co-founder of Bandits & Friends. Gonzalez said this year's entries reflect the evolving role of audio as a "personal, culturally fluent and creatively fearless" medium.

RAB President and CEO Mike Hulvey said the awards continue to spotlight the creativity driving the industry and the effectiveness of audio in delivering results for advertisers.

The final round jury includes executives from agencies such as BBDO New York, Special/New York, Mischief @ No Fixed Address, BarkleyOKRP, and Oberland.

Winners will be announced June 3 during a ceremony at Sony Hall, hosted by nationally syndicated iHeartRadio personality Angela Yee, who hosts "Way Up with Angela Yee."

Single Spot: Promotional - Radio Station/Group/Network

Inside the Manor
WBZZ
Audacy Studios

Deep State Fair
WCCO
Audacy Studios

24K Magic Trip Bruno in Vegas
WREW
Hubbard Radio Cincinnati

Swampazookeedooks
iHeartMedia
IHeartMedia Studio 55

It's Nifty
WHMI
Krol Communications

Ozem-PIG
WHQG
Milwaukee Media Group

Single Spot: Locally Produced - Radio Station/Group/Network

250 Years
PA One Call
Audacy Studios

Termite Superhero
Breda Pest Management
Cox Media Group

Berries
Towne and Country Animal Hospital
Krol Communications

Neighbor
Yutka Fence
Milwaukee Media Group

Big Deck
McComis Properties
Seven Mountains Media, LLC

Play It or Plunge It
Brian Wear Plumbing
Zimmer Communications

Watch Football on Your Deck
Kretch's Custom Exteriors
Zimmer Communications

Single Spot: Radio Station/Group/Network

Mission Impossible
PA One Call
Audacy Studios

Chumba 4 Group Chat
Chumba Casino
iHeartMedia Studio55

Computer
Impossible Foods
iHeartMedia Studio55

Galahad
Virgin Voyages
iHeartMedia Studio55

Kaitlyn Imani Whitaker
Virgin Voyages
iHeartMedia Studio55

Macklin George Winchester
Virgin Voyages
iHeartMedia Studio55

Television
Impossible Foods
iHeartMedia Studio55

End of the World
Mulligan's
Momentum Broadcasting

Big Deck
McComis Properties
Seven Mountains Media, LLC

Campaign: Radio Station/Group Network

Mile High Club Campaign
Mile High Honda
Audacy Studios

PA One Call 2026 Campaign
PA One Call
Audacy Studios

Chumba Horoscopes
Chumba Casino
iHeartMedia Studio55

Eulogies
Uline
iHeartMedia Studio55

Famous Virgins
Virgin Voyages
iHeartMedia Studio55

Impossible Future Campaign
Impossible Foods
iHeartMedia Studio55

Kid-Free Sailing
Virgin Voyages
iHeartMedia Studio55

Play It or Plunge It
Brian Wear Plumbing
Zimmer Communications