Organised by the Radio Broadcasters Association, the awards recognise excellence in commercial and non-commercial radio broadcasting, in the form of programming, personalities, news and sports reporting, creativity and production quality.

New Zealand radio stations, radio staff, advertising agencies and production houses are eligible to enter the awards.

[1] The awards began in 1978, with the beginning of deregulation of the radio industry and the emergence of new independent broadcasters under the third National government of Rob Muldoon.

Special categories have also been developed to recognise Māori broadcasting and programmes for ethnic minorities, particularly on Iwi Radio Network and Access Radio Network stations.

[1][2] Below is a summation of some of the awards presented each year, from 2011 onwards.