Durrant Pate/Contributor

The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) is reporting a record-breaking number of entrants for this year’s 36th edition of its Media Awards, marking a historic year for the regional competition.

A total of 551 entries have been submitted across 61 categories by 30 media organisations, representing 11 countries and territories, as well as one pan-regional entity. This represents a 13 per cent increase in submissions over 2024. 

The entries, which span the Dutch, English, and Spanish-speaking Caribbean, once again reflect the vibrant diversity and excellence in Caribbean media. Greater Belize Media has emerged as the leading nominee in 2025 with 103 entries, surpassing RJR/GLEANER Communications Group of Jamaica, which secured 95 nominations.

Jamaica led all countries with 112 nominations from five participating media outlets, including two new entrants: Our Today and the Ministry of Health & Wellness. Trinidad & Tobago had the highest number of participating organisations with six in total. The Express Newspaper and CCN TV-6 collectively have 39 nominations. 

Media houses nominated

They were followed by TTT Ltd (25 nominations), WESN Content Capital (16), and The Guardian (14). In Barbados, four local media houses earned 55 nominations. The Government Information Service led with 24, followed by Starcom and the Nation newspaper of the Nation Group  (16) and CBC (15).

The presentation of trophies to the winning entries will take place at the 36th CBU Media Awards Gala, hosted at the Hilton Barbados Resort on the evening of August 20, 2025. CBU extends its congratulations to all nominees and looks forward to celebrating their outstanding achievements in Caribbean media.

Our Today standing tall

Our Today received nominations in the following categories: 

o   BEST NEWS STORY – DIGITAL

o   BEST SPORTS STORY – DIGITAL

o   BEST INVESTIGATIVE ITEM – DIGITAL

o   BEST ENTERTAINMENT ITEM – DIGITAL

This year’s awards continue to benefit from the strong support of international development partners, regional organizations, and commercial sponsors. The 36th edition welcomes seven sponsors for the themed categories.

In a revamped format focused on short-form digital content, the People’s Choice Award centred on social media reels in the areas of News and Current Affairs, Music, Comedy, and Education. Public voting took place across the CBU’s platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

A total of 13,339 likes were recorded across 24 entries submitted from five territories: Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and San Andres Island (Colombia).