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Audio & Radio Lions

The Audio & Radio Lions celebrate creativity that’s wired for sound – work that communicates a brand message through audio excellence, sonic innovation or superior aural storytelling across the airwaves and digital streams.

Introduction

The history of the Audio & Radio Lions

The Radio Lions were established in 2005 to celebrate creative advertising for radio.

In 2018, they evolved into the Radio & Audio Lions to encompass the growing number of audio mediums.

Now in their third iteration, the Audio & Radio Lions have evolved from their traditional radio roots to celebrate the growing range of audio platforms.

What kind of work can be entered?

Audio content, traditional radio ads, podcasts, original compositions or adaptations of existing songs, audio script or innovative use of the airwaves.

What’s the Jury looking for?

The work should demonstrate ideas that are wired for sound, communicating a brand message through audio excellence, sonic innovation or superior aural storytelling.

The work should be built around high-quality sound design, where every audio element is carefully considered. This could mean clear, high-definition soundscapes, or music and voices recorded and mixed with exceptional clarity and depth. This level of sound quality can elevate the experience, making the brand feel premium and more immersive.

Effective storytelling through sound often involves crafting an emotional journey without relying on visuals. The brand message should be woven into the audio narrative, where each sound, voice, and tone plays a role in building a compelling story. This could involve the strategic use of music, sound effects, and pacing to evoke emotions and create memorable associations with the brand.

DEW BATTLE | MOUNTAIN DEW | BBDO GUERRERO, MAKATI CITY | BRONZE, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2024

The Categories

A. Innovation in Audio & Radio

Innovative use of the audio medium to communicate a brand’s message. Work that enhances and reinvigorates the consumers’ experience by allowing them to engage with and respond to the audio content.

B. Excellence in Audio & Radio

C. Culture & Context

Audio work that is brought to life through cultural insights and regional context.

If you're submitting more than one execution please upload all executions in a single file with a gap to denote each new execution.

D. Audio & Radio: Sectors

The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.

Eligibility

Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 8 February 2024 – 10 April 2025.

Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?

There’s no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Audio & Radio as long as the categories chosen are relevant.

Exceptions:

  • The same piece of work may only be entered once in ‘D. Audio & Radio: Audio Sectors’ and/or 'E. Audio & Radio: Traditional Sectors'.
  • In sections B, D and E, each execution constitutes one entry and all executions must have run within the eligibility period.
  • In sections A and C, multiple executions may be entered as one entry. However, all Audio & Radio executions must have run within the eligibility period.

UNINTERRUPTAD | BUDWEISER | AFRICA CREATIVE DDB, SÃO PAULO | GOLD, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2024

Previous winners

The Misheard Version

Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix Golin London / Specsavers / 2024

UK eye and hearing test specialist Specsavers used the power of audio to rework a famously misheard song into the world’s first 'mass hearing test’. It partnered with English singer Rick Astley to re-record ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ with misheard lyrics. They then released it without explanation, amassing 20m views in 8 hours and increasing hearing test bookings by 1220% above target.

THE MISHEARD VERSION | SPECSAVERS | GOLIN LONDON | GRAND PRIX, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2024

Why the work won

The 2024 Audio & Radio Jury awarded the prestigious Grand Prix to The Misheard Version, by Golin, London for Specsavers, recognising its outstanding commitment to a bold and imaginative creative idea, underpinned by a playful and clever use of subterfuge. Jury President Simon Vicars highlighted the piece as a standout example of innovation, applauding its success in “proving the case for creativity as a business multiplier.” By skillfully weaving creativity into the fabric of its concept, the work not only captivates listeners but also demonstrates how a strategic, inventive approach can significantly enhance a brand’s impact and business results.

THE MISHEARD VERSION | SPECSAVERS | GOLIN LONDON | GRAND PRIX, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2024

Inside the Jury Room: Audio & Radio Lions

To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.

Entries & Judging

What is the judging criteria?

The main criteria considered during judging will be the idea, the execution and the impact.

What do I need to provide with my entry?

To enter, you’ll need to complete an online entry form, which can be found on the Cannes Lions entry site. In the ‘Written Explanation’ section, you’ll be asked to provide the Jury with everything they need to know about your work.

You’ll also be able to submit optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry.

All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.

Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on A Guide to the Cannes Lions Awards.

What if I don’t have all the details right away?

Don’t worry – you can fill in the form in any order and save your progress at any time while it’s still in the pending stage. However, please only check out when your entry is 100% complete as no changes can be made to your entry once you’ve clicked “Submit” and “Checkout”.

The Written Submission

Line Gold

Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.

To start your entry to the Audio & Radio Lions, go to our Awards page.

The Jury will refer to the written explanation you provide throughout the judging process. Our advice is to provide as much relevant detail as possible.

When answering the following questions keep the main element you’re trying to celebrate in mind (e.g. the storytelling, the strategy, the craft, the use of data).

The bullet points under each question are prompts designed to guide your thinking, based on the factors the jury will be considering when reviewing your work. You might not need to use them all, and that’s totally fine. They’re there to help you consider what’s most important in your work.

Questions

Category Specific Questions

HEINZ KETCHUP INSURANCE | HEINZ | FP7 McCANN, DUBAI | BRONZE, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2024

Contact us

Everything you need to know to enter

For more detailed information on how to use the entry site, craft a compelling submission or submit your work we have a whole range of resources.

From Entry Guides that give you a step-by-step overview of the entire process to the Entry Kits that provide all the detailed rules and requirements for each and every category.

Information and advice on how to enter

We are here to help

As Awards Experts, we know the Lions inside out. We can help with:

  • Sharing the updates to the Awards for 2025
  • Offering best-practice advice on how to craft a compelling entry
  • Discussing your work and relevant categories
  • Scheduling regular catch-ups to answer any questions that arise throughout the entry process.

Whether you have a specific query or would like expert advice, get in touch today.

Email: awards@canneslions.com Helpline: +44 0 20 7046 1155