About the opportunity
Farm Radio International celebrates excellence within its radio network with two awards. The George Atkins Communications Award celebrates an outstanding individual broadcaster committed to family farmers and rural communities in low-income countries, recognizing their contributions to food security and poverty reduction. The Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio celebrates a program team that addresses gender equality and has had a community impact by serving women listeners. Winners for both awards receive a certificate and a cash prize, and are announced at a special celebration on World Radio Day.
Funding and benefits
- George Atkins Communications Award winners receive a certificate and a prize of $500 CAD.
- Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio winning broadcast teams receive a certificate and a $1,000 CAD prize.
Who can apply?
- George Atkins Communications Award: Must work at a radio station that has been a Farm Radio International broadcasting partner for a minimum of one year.
- George Atkins Communications Award: Must have at least three years of experience as a radio broadcaster, including volunteer experience.
- Liz Hughes Award: Any Farm Radio International broadcasting partner in sub-Saharan Africa can apply.
- Past winners of the George Atkins Communication Award are not eligible to apply for 5 years after receiving the award.
Required documents
- Completed application form with detailed answers
- A photo of yourself working as a broadcaster (for the George Atkins Communications Award)
- A recording of an episode of your program
- A full transcription of the recorded episode in English, French, Portuguese, Amharic, or Swahili (for the Liz Hughes Award)
- A typical program lineup or runsheet in Word or PDF format (for the Liz Hughes Award)
When to apply
- George Atkins Communications Award application period opens September 1, 2026.
- Liz Hughes Award deadline was August 21, 2026.
How to apply
- Complete the application form available in English, Amharic, Hausa, Portuguese, or Swahili.
- Gather the required supporting materials including recordings and transcripts or photos.
- Email your application package to the designated regional address or to radio@farmradio.org.
Additional information
- Applications for the awards are accepted in English, French, Amharic, Hausa, Swahili, and Portuguese.
- Winners are announced on World Radio Day.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An ideal opportunity for experienced rural broadcasters and radio station teams dedicated to agricultural development, food security, or gender equality.
- Well-suited for media professionals working within the Farm Radio International partner network looking to gain international recognition for their community impact.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict eligibility constraints require applicants to be part of established Farm Radio International broadcasting partner stations with verified years of experience.
- Submissions require detailed documentation, including audio recordings and full transcripts in specific accepted languages.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
These awards provide an excellent platform for radio teams and individual broadcasters to showcase their public service journalism, validate their community impact, and secure financial support for ongoing rural programming.
Our take
Broadcasters and station teams meeting the partnership and experience criteria should seriously consider applying to gain international recognition and support for their work.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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