Celebrating Asian Excellence: The Asian Media Awards 2026

A night celebrating talent, diversity, creativity and the power of Asian voices across British media.

The Asian Media Awards returned to Manchester on Friday 30 October 2026, bringing together some of the biggest names and emerging talents from across the British Asian media and entertainment industries.

Held at the prestigious Manchester Deansgate Hotel, the 14th annual awards celebrated the achievements of journalists, broadcasters, radio presenters, television personalities, filmmakers, digital creators and organisations making a difference across the media landscape.

For Asian Community Radio (ACR), events such as these are an important reminder of why representation, cultural storytelling and community broadcasting matter.

Radio Station of the Year – Celebrating the voices behind the airwaves

The announcement of Radio Station of the Year, was awarded to Lyca Radio.

This award recognises the contribution and influence of Asian radio within the UK broadcasting industry and celebrates the platforms bringing music, culture, news and entertainment to diverse audiences.

Radio continues to play a hugely important role in connecting communities. Whether through music, conversation, interviews, news or local storytelling, Asian radio stations provide a platform for voices, languages and experiences that deserve to be heard.

At Asian Community Radio, we understand just how important this is. As Milton Keynes' first and only Asian female-led community radio station, our mission is to bring communities together through broadcasting, celebrate our cultural heritage and create opportunities for people to share their stories.

The 2026 Asian Media Awards recognised an impressive range of talent and achievements.

Among this year's winners were:

• Journalist of the Year: Sejal Karia, ITV News.

• Radio Station of the Year: Lyca Radio.

• Radio Presenter of the Year: Aaron Paul.

• Best Radio Show: Asian Network Trending, BBC Asian Network.

• Media Personality of the Year: Sonia Sodha.

• Diversity in Media Award: Jessica Schibli, BBC.

• Outstanding Contribution to Media: Pedro Carvalho.

• Best Podcast: The Dad Project.

• Best Blog/Website: A Rosie World.

• Creator of the Year: Ham and Fam.

The evening also celebrated outstanding contributions to television, theatre, film, journalism, digital media and live events.

A particularly special moment was the recognition of Alien Kulture, the pioneering South Asian punk band from the early 1980s, who received the inaugural AMA Pioneers in Music Award.

Their recognition highlighted the importance of remembering those who challenged expectations, broke boundaries and helped pave the way for future generations of Asian creatives.

Actress Shobu Kapoor also received the prestigious Sophiya Haque Services to British Film, TV and Theatre Award.

Congratulations to all the nominees, winners, organisers and everyone involved in making the 2026 Asian Media Awards such an important celebration.

The future of Asian media is exciting, diverse and full of possibilities. It is important that we continue to support one another, create opportunities for the next generation and celebrate the people and organisations making a difference.