I met someone today who had previously won A Sony. The pride on his face, the memory of being on stage to pick it up, the realisation that he was chosen by his own peers as the best of the best, was still there for all to see. It was one of the best moments of his life he tells me and the award itself, still sits in his dining room.

I tweeted recently that I hoped people were busy getting the right audio for the right entry, comments confirmed this was indeed the case.  One PD told me today that he was expecting to submit the largest number of entries ever this year, not because he was flush with cash, but because he believed his team had delivered some stunning examples or radio this time around.

I have never won A Sony. In fact, I doubt I have ever been entered for one. It is something I regret but there are compensations. This year, The Radio Academy has taken over everything connected with the awards and we are busy making sure all is going to plan. I am quite excited.

Once again, Sony are our partners and this year is special as it is the 30th year in succession. This is some achievement and I certainly don’t know of any other awards where one partner has played such an important role – and for so long.

Each year the standard is higher and the audio has to be the best it can be, after all the competition is enormous. There is no excuse for a poor entry and you have to get it right including reading the rubrics closely. When you have finished your entry, get someone else to give you a considered view, especially the talent on the audio.  When the judges sit down to listen to all the entries, they want to be impressed. How hard can that be?

So when the big day arrives, when your name is called and we stand to shower you with praise, don’t go all shy on us.  Stand tall and accept the credit you deserve. Considering the competition, you really will have deserved it.

I can’t wait to write your name on one of those gongs. How do you spell it exactly?

For more information see http://www.radioacademyawards.org/

Hands up, do you have one ?