ARIA 2022 | Vote for Radio Times Moment of the Year

The ARIAs are back for 2022 and once again honor the best in radio from the past year.

For the second year in a row, we’ve partnered with the Radio Academy and ARIA organizers, and ask you to choose the Radio Times moment of 2022.

There are some truly special nominees to choose from and the past year has been full of moving, heartwarming and powerful moments – who do you consider to be the best of the best when it comes to the past year in broadcasting?

Voting is open now and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2022. Choose your choice in the poll below – and don’t click until you’re really sure who you want to win because once you click, your vote will be submitted!

The nominees are…

Adele Roberts returns to Radio 1 after bowel cancer treatment

When Adele returned to the airwaves the month after her diagnosis, she was determined to use the opportunity to encourage listeners to get checked out, normalize stomas and give thanks to the NHS. The response was overwhelming with many listeners thanking Adele for bringing attention to something they (or a loved one) experienced.

Annie Mac’s last show, on Radio 1

On July 30, 2021, Annie left BBC Radio 1 after 17 years. Her final two hours were dedicated to the music, artists and genres she has championed throughout her career, but above all it was a heartfelt goodbye and thank you to her loyal audience. His last words were shared by thousands of people on social media.

Naga Munchetty talks about his serpentine pain, on Radio 5 Live

The moment Naga shared her excruciating experience of having an IUD fitted and changed the national conversation about pain relief for gynecological procedures. 1.7 million people read the resulting BBC news article, and it was written up in every national newspaper. Her words sparked a national debate that resulted in a shift in focus – now all women are offered pain relief – because of a national radio moment.

Richard Osman reveals his addiction to food, on Desert Island Discs

For the first time, Richard Osman spoke about his problems with food and diet. His open-mindedness sparked numerous newspaper articles, reaching a wide audience.

Grado Scotland Team Talk, on Go Radio

No part of Scottish society has been spared by the return of the Scottish national football team to a major tournament. Grado’s team speech, addressed to players of the Scottish national team, connected and resonated with a country that had regained its national pride, after 23 years of heartbreak, embarrassment and so much more.

Karen Robson hears her father’s song ‘Little Girl’, on BBC Radio Newcastle

After appealing to musicians to help re-record a lullaby composed by her father 56 years earlier, that’s when Karen first heard “Little Girl.” With his father Brian now in end-of-life care, listeners on Teesside were moved to tears upon hearing the new version which blended Brian’s original vocals with the work of local music students.

Mary wins £102,000, on Clyde 1

Cash Register is Scotland’s biggest radio competition – all you have to do is remember how much to win. In December 2021, Garry Spence called Mary in Glasgow where she won £102,000. Having recently lost her husband to COVID-19, this moment captures the extreme emotions felt by Mary, and the audio has made headlines across the UK.

Patricia meets her birth mother on her 100th birthday, on BBC Radio Three Counties

In January, Patricia, 81, phoned Justin Dealey to tell him she had finally found her birth mother. Due to COVID restrictions, Patricia had yet to meet her mother and knew she was going to be 100 that month. Having received special permission to visit her mother’s nursing home, she shared the magical radio moment with listeners.

Rachael Blackmore wins the Grand National, on talkSPORT

Incredibly, only 19 female jockeys have competed in the 173 editions of the world’s most famous horse race; none had ever won. In 2021 that changed, as Rachael Blackmore won the Grand National. An Aintree lockdown meant only a few hundred people were on the course, but an emotional Rupert Bell and Lizzie Kelly captured the moment for the nation.

Reverend Cheryl Meban remembers Sarah Everard, on BBC Radio Ulster

The University of Ulster chaplain gripped and moved listeners with his thought for the day on Monday, March 15. The morning after police clashed with mourners during Sarah’s vigil, Cheryl’s broadcast and subsequent conversation with presenters struck a deep nerve and was widely reported and praised.

Voting for the Radio Times Moment of the Year at the 2022 Audio and Radio Industry Awards (ARIA) is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 24, 2022. If you’re looking for something to watch, head over to our TV Guide.

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