September 27, 2021 – NEW YORK – 149 radio/audio spots and campaigns made it to the finals of the 30th anniversary Radio Mercury Awards. This year marks the first time all categories were open to all languages. The submissions were created by advertising agencies, brands, production companies, radio stations and digital companies. 

The 2021 finalists range from regional to large advertising agencies and radio stations, as well as national and local advertisers from categories including automotive, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, government services, healthcare, insurance, nonprofits, quick-serve restaurants, telecommunications, travel and hospitality. Entries were judged on their creativity, originality, execution and effective communication of a brand's message.

“This year’s Radio Mercury Awards is celebrating the work that came through in 2021 and acknowledging the Awards’ 30-year history,” said Robin Fitzgerald, chief creative officer, BBDO Atlanta, and chief judge for the 2021 Radio Mercury Awards. “It was great to hear the amazing work, and I can’t wait to celebrate the winners in November.”

“Every year, the Radio Mercury Awards shines a light on the best of the best in radio creative, and this year is no different,” noted Erica Farber, president and chief executive officer of the Radio Advertising Bureau. “This year’s finalists showcase a wonderful range of audio work that leverages the medium and delivers for the advertiser.”

In addition to Chief Judge Fitzgerald, the final round judging panel included: John Berman, executive creative director, R/GA NY; Nathalie Brown, executive creative director, VMLY&R NY, Bianca Guimaraes, partner and executive creative director, Mischief NY; Paul Johnson, freelance copywriter and creative director, NY; Derrick Ogilvie, vice president and creative director, BBDO Atlanta; Alejandro Ortiz, executive creative director, Campbell Ewald Detroit/NY and Sherman Winfield, executive creative director, VMLY&R Atlanta.

Event sponsors for this year’s awards include: Audacy, iHeartMedia, Nielsen Audio, Sound and Fury and World Wide Wadio. Dedicated sponsors are Cherry Creek Media, Oink Ink Radio, Triton Digital, and Xperi along with general sponsors CBS News Radio, Forcht Broadcasting, Miller Kaplan and Neuhoff Media.

The Radio Mercury Awards winners will be presented at 6 p.m. ET on November 17 during a virtual ceremony. For more information about the event, log onto www.radiomercuryawards.com.