This year’s radio equivalent of the ‘The Oscars’ has given recognition for broadcasters and programming encouraging positive attitudes and support for people with mental health issues and the importance of local radio in nurturing new talent.

The awards are known as ARIAS and were given out last night at The London Palladium.

Host Greg James won Gold, for best new show – following 18 months of entertaining listeners on BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show.

Loved hosting the #ARIAS last night. So proud of all the brilliant people I get to work with. 2 GOLDS and a SILVER for the @BBCR1 breakfast show and BRONZE for #tailenders on @bbc5live! Happy with that! Cheers!

RADIO IS THE BEST THING. pic.twitter.com/Ta4ugJWQ6G

— Greg James (@gregjames) March 5, 2020

The best music breakfast show award went to his BBC Radio 1Xtra friend and colleague, Dotty.

The pair joked that the audience in The London Palladium was considerably bigger than their scrapped BBC One music show Sounds Like Friday Night.

In her speech, Dotty thanked DJ Trevor Nelson for giving her a chance in the industry and she encouraged others in the room to lead by example and follow suit.

Dotty has presented her Breakfast show since 2016.

✅ Amazing
✅ Always awake at an ungodly early hour
✅ A recipient of the Best Music Breakfast Show Gold Award
✅ @AmplifyDot – @1Xtra pic.twitter.com/iP2qJwZppb

— The Radio Academy (@radioacademy) March 4, 2020

Throughout the night host, Greg James made several jibes towards The Global Awards.

Greg James ARIAS. Image: Bethany Broomfield-Jones

Another topical theme of the night was the power of local radio and several winners urged big industry bosses to look outside of London and Salford for talent, explaining you can find audio talent across the UK.

Zoe Ball and Greg James ARIAS. Image: Bethany Broomfield-Jones

After the ceremony, many winners took to Twitter and Instagram to share their delight at winning the highest accolade in audio.

BBC Radio 2 was named station of the year, while BBC Radio 5 Live’s Emma Barnett received the award for best speech presenter.

Speechless & so thrilled to have won best speech presenter at UK radio awards! Incredibly thankful to my editor family @timlevell & @ClarWest & our team. Huge thanks to our amazing @bbc5live listeners. Please join us on air tomorrow (I will need you!) & every day 10am-1pm #ARIAS pic.twitter.com/UpJ4873n8Q

— Emma Barnett (@Emmabarnett) March 4, 2020

The award for ‘moment of the year’ was given to Iain Lee of Talk Radio, who helped rescue a man who called his show claiming to have taken a drug overdose in December 2018.

That truly emotional acceptance speech from @iainlee. ❤️ #BeKind #UKARIAS pic.twitter.com/459e15JlZr

— The Radio Academy (@radioacademy) March 4, 2020

In his acceptance speech, Iain urged people to ‘be kinder.’

Mental Health was another prominent theme of the night, with several winners referencing the importance of speaking out if you need help.

Head of Absolute Radio, Paul Sylvester collected the Gold award following the stations’ coverage for Mental Health Awareness Week.

London Palladium. Image: Bethany Broomfield-Jones

It was a particularly successful night for BBC programmes and presenters who ended up winning 17 out of 23 awards.

The importance of the BBC was noted by several winners, one saying ‘long may it continue.’