The Radio-Mercury Awards were established in 1992 to recognize and reward the radio commercials and PSA's that embody the essence of what radio does best - connect with listeners. Today, the Radio Mercury Awards is the premiere creative competition for radio. Topped off by the hightly coveted $100,000 Grand Prize, the competition has earned a generous reputation. As one winner said, "The Radio Mercury Awards is one of the first things you think of hwen you're producing a great radio spot or campaign. Right away, you wonder, does it have a chance at winning a Mercury Award?"

In 2011, the Radio Mercury Awards celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Since the first Radio-Mercury Awards ceremony, approximately 13,000 commercials have competed for over $2.3 million in prizes, honoring the writers and producers of the finest radio commercials in America. Winning a Radio-Mercury Award is recognized within the agency and commercial production communities as the highest honor a radio commercial can achieve.

The annual Radio Mercury Awards competition draws entries from advertising agencies, production houses, radio stations, and educational institutions across the country. Approximately 17,000 commercials have competed for over $2.9 million in prizes. The Radio Creative Fund (RCF), a non-profit corporation funded by the radio industry, governs the Radio Mercury Awards.

Each year a $100,000 Grand Prize is awarded along with a number of $5,000 prizes. Every winner receives the spectacular Radio-Mercury Awards trophy.

Entries are judged on their creativity, originality and effective communication of a brand’s message.

The 2011 finalists encompass a wide range of national and regional advertisers from the automotive, beer, entertainment, fast food, financial services, insurance, consumer packaged goods, telecommunications and retail categories.

“We continue to see marketers leverage Radio in unique ways.  This year’s high caliber and diversified brands speak to the medium’s reach and flexibility,” stated Jeff Haley, President and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau.

"The Radio Mercury Awards honors the best of the medium. This is important because it encourages each of us to push our craft,” said Susan Credle, Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett USA and Chief Judge for the 2011 Radio Mercury Awards. “Audio that captures the imagination and creates love affairs with brands has incredible value, and today we must strive for that more than ever."

The final round judging panel included: Chief Judge – Susan Credle, Leo Burnett USA; Mike Byrne, Anomaly; Michael Canning, Leo Burnett USA; Mike Hughes, The Martin Agency; Kerry Keenan, Y&R Entertainment; Gustavio Lauria, la comunidad; and David Oakley, BooneOakley.

To contact the Radio-Mercury Awards, email mercury@rab.com or call (212) 681-7207.