MUMBAI: The countdown for New York Festivals' International Radio Program Awards has started. It has now started accepting entries for the 2015 competition and the last day for the entry for NYF's Radio Awards 2015 competition is 19 March 2015.

This edition saw new categories like 'Best Journalist' and 'Best Music Program Host' which were added to On-Air Talent and 'Best Innovation' was added to showcase creative and technical innovations in radio broadcasting.

NYF's Radio Awards unveiled a roster of audio book categories as well like 'Best Audio Book – Fiction', 'Best Audio Book – Nonfiction', 'Best Narration – Solo', and 'Best Narration – Ensemble'. According to the statement issued by NYF's Radio Awards, it said that the audio book categories were launched to showcase the rising trend in spoken entertainment in this age of digital distribution.

Commenting on the new categories, New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards executive director Rose Anderson said, “By including audio books into NYF's Radio Awards we move towards a more robust and comprehensive recognition of all the aspects of the spoken word transmitted today. Our categories for Sound Art and Best Innovation recognise the limitless advances of creativity and our categories for Best Journalist, and Best Music Program host honour the artistry and dedication of the individuals at the mike.”

The entries for the competition come from radio stations, networks and independent producers from across 32 countries around the world. The official media sponsor of the event is Production Hub; and Pond5 is the official sponsor of the 2015 New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards.
The winners of the competition will be honoured the World's Best Radio Programs on 22 June at Manhattan Penthouse in New York City.