First held in 2004, the ceremony is produced by C31 Melbourne, and is broadcast by terrestrial community television stations (colloquially known as Channel 31) across Australia.

Entries are judged entirely by a panel decided by the event organisers; previously, the Viewers' Choice Award allowed for Channel 31 viewers to nominate their favourite programs in a given year.

Between 2004 and 2010 the awards were held annually – first at RMIT University's Storey Hall, and later at the Deakin Edge at Federation Square.

[3]* Best Living and Learning Program : No Limits The 2008 awards ceremony were held at the BMW Edge theatre, Federation Square on Thursday, 24 April, and broadcast on Sunday, 27 April at 7.30 pm.

On 4 July 2019, C31 Melbourne announced a second revival of the Antenna Awards, marking 25 years since the channel's first broadcast.