Sony Awards

The Sony Radio Academy Awards (the Sonys), started in 1983, are some of the most prestigious awards in the British radio industry. They are run by the Radio Academy.

Ricky and Stephen won a Bronze in the Comedy Award in 2002:

BRONZE Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant producer: Karl Pilkington performers & presenters: Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant Xfm

"Improvisation at it’s best. This show’s natural and uninhibited style is well matched to Xfm’s audience. We liked the feeling of eavesdropping on ‘behind the scenes’ conversations. A good team, producing unforced humour."

It was an accolade they did not value as highly as their many other awards, and Ricky personally felt they deserved much better, once stating "We don't get out of bed for bronze".

In 2003 they were entered for the Entertainment Award, this time they didn't even manage bronze:

NOMINEE Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant producer: Karl Pilkington presenters: Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant Xfm

"All of the judges felt that Karl was the real star of the show and deserved a special mention for being the underdog who believes in every urban myth going and manages to keep a straight face despite the hilarity around him."

It was after this event that Ricky and Stephen seriously considered leaving radio for good. One the following Xfm show, they interviewed a panalist, Neil Fox. Who claimed that their show wasn't 'entertaining'.