New for this year is the category of 'Best Regional DJ', which aims to recognise the talent of those on local and regional radio around the country.

Awards will be presented in nineteen categories, with the following eight up for public vote:

Best National DJ
Best Regional DJ
Best Irish Band
Best Irish Male
Best Irish Female
Best Irish Pop Act
Best Irish Album
Best Irish Live Performance

Public voting is live from today (Thursday November 29) and can be accessed by texting VOTE to 0857114444 to receive a list of keywords and categories. Online voting will also be available on www.meteor.ie

The 'Hope for 2008' Award will be voted for by 2FM listeners while the remaining awards (apart from the Most Downloaded Song) will be decided by votes cast by representatives of the Irish music industry.

The ceremony, now in its eighth year. will once again be hosted by comedian Dara O'Briain, and takes place in the RDS on Februay 15 of next year. It will then be aired the following night on RTE Two. A limited number of tickets for the awards go on sale from Tuesday December 4 from Ticketmaster and usual outlets nationwide. They cost €40 each and are limited to four per person.