2026 Excellence in Media & Arts Awards Finalists Announced

We’re excited to announce the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Media & Arts Awards.

These awards celebrate the vision, creativity, skill and dedication of individuals and organisations using media and the arts to make a meaningful impact.

This year we received a huge number of excellent nominations, showcasing the breadth and quality of work happening across our sector. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who made a submission.

Across this year’s categories, our finalists represent outstanding work in innovation, leadership, audio, social media, screen and more.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 finalists.

Innovation in Mission Resourcing

Celebrating creative ideas that strengthen mission.

Finalists:

Op till You Drop Community Market
Life FM

Localise Educate Prevent Toward Zero Road Safety Campaign
Ultra106five

Beacon Award, Large Market

Recognising organisations leading with purpose and impact.

Finalists:

PositiveMedia’s Impact Index
PositiveMedia Ltd.

Rise 96.5 Anzac Day Annual Service
Rise 96.5

Beacon Award, Small Market

Celebrating small organisations making a big impact.

Finalists:

Find Yourself In Church 2026
Rhema FM Newcastle

Valley Worship AUSTRALIA: Collaborative Community of Audio and Visual Artists
Valley Worship AUSTRALIA

Remarkable Contribution

Honouring exceptional service and dedication.

Finalists:

Syndicated Radio Shows
PositiveMedia Ltd.

Samantha Willan: Heart for the Homeless
Sonshine FM (Perth)

Emerging Talent

Celebrating fresh voices with real promise.

Finalists:

The Iris and Joe Show on Rise 96.5
Rise 96.5

Doug Townsend: Sonshine 98.5FM
Sonshine (98.5FM)

Compelling Content, Audio

Celebrating audio that inspires and connects.

Finalists:

The Crazy Kiwi Christmas Kids Show
Christian Broadcasting Association

Lucy & Kel’s Show 3,000
PositiveMedia Ltd.

Compelling Content, Social Media

Recognising digital storytelling that engages and inspires.

Finalists:

Celebrating One Million
Alpha Australia

Faith in the Feed: Using Social Media to Point People to Jesus
Rhema 99.7 Newcastle

Compelling Content, Screen: Documentary, Entertainment, Factual & Learning

Celebrating powerful storytelling brought to screen.

Finalists:

My Greatest Victory
Adventist Media

What's Your Everest?
Rhema Media NZ

Congratulations to Our Finalists

Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the creativity, commitment and excellence happening across Christian media and the arts.

Congratulations to every individual, team and organisation recognised this year. We look forward to celebrating the finalists and revealing the 2026 award recipients.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA AWARDS DINNER ON THE 15th of SEPTEMBER