AIB extends entry deadline for the AIBs 2026 following strong international demand
The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) has extended the deadline for entries to the AIBs 2026, giving broadcasters, production companies and independent producers around the world additional time to submit their work to this year’s international awards.
The new closing date for entries is Friday 17 July 2026.
The decision follows requests from broadcasters, producers, editors and commissioners across multiple countries who asked for extra time to complete submissions for the 22nd annual AIB awards.
“The response to this year’s competition has been tremendously encouraging,” said Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the AIB. “We’ve heard from organisations around the world that are keen to enter but needed a little more time to prepare their submissions. Rather than risk outstanding journalism and factual productions being left out, we’ve extended the deadline by two weeks.”
The AIBs recognise excellence across television, radio, podcasting and digital journalism, celebrating work produced in any language and for audiences of any size. Over more than two decades, the awards have earned an international reputation for recognising journalism that informs, investigates, challenges and inspires.
Widely regarded as the global barometer of journalism, the AIBs are judged by an independent international panel of more than 60 experienced media professionals drawn from every continent. Their expertise spans news, current affairs, documentaries, factual programming, audio production, digital media and editorial leadership, ensuring every entry is assessed fairly against the highest professional standards.
The competition is open to broadcasters, production companies, independent producers and digital publishers from anywhere in the world. Categories cover breaking news, investigative journalism, international affairs, health and social issues, sustainability, innovative factual storytelling, arts and culture, domestic affairs, politics and business, and more, across video, audio and digital platforms.
The AIBs also celebrate individual excellence through the Journalist of the Year awards for both video and audio, recognising journalists whose work has demonstrated exceptional editorial judgement, storytelling and public service.
Entrants should note that while the entry deadline is now Friday 17 July, programme files and supporting material must be uploaded by the end of July, allowing the international judging process to begin in August.
Winners will be announced at the AIBs 2026 gala ceremony in London on 20 November 2026, bringing together journalists, programme-makers, editors, commissioners and industry leaders from around the world to celebrate the year’s outstanding achievements in factual storytelling.
Full details of the competition, categories, entry criteria and submission process are available at theaibs.tv.
Key dates
- Entry deadline: Friday 17 July 2026
- Programme upload deadline: 31 July 2026
- AIBs 2026 awards ceremony: 20 November 2026, London