As the podcast market grows, listeners have more and more shows to listen to. And in the years since podcasts have come into the mainstream, journalism, communications, and even entertainment awards have grown to keep up with the huge increase in audio content (hello, Golden Globes Podcast Category!). Podcast awards are a valuable way of growing your show’s standing and recognition in the field, setting the bar of excellence for the audio industry. They can also go a long way in establishing trust and interest with new creative partners, sponsors, and audiences.
The Podglomerate has a great track record for submitting podcast awards on behalf of our clients. That’s because we present recommended categories based on content alignment and competitive advantage for the highest possibility of a potential award nomination or win, in addition to leveraging insights from our experiences as judges across major podcast awards.
Here’s a list of the top podcast awards in 2026 to have on your radar, as well as a few things to keep in mind as you apply. Don’t miss our comprehensive post about how to win a podcast award.
Why do podcast awards matter?
There are millions of podcasts in the world, but the majority of podcasts can’t say they are award-nominated or award-winning. Podcast awards can upgrade your show’s unique selling proposition (USP), whether you become a nominee, a finalist, or even a winner. Updating your show description and press kit materials to “award-nominated” or “award-winning” encourages more opportunities for podcast growth, such as:
- Attracting bigger/more prominent podcast guests
- Seeing more routes for revenue growth and monetization
- Highlighting media exposure in the award’s materials/promotions, more opportunities for podcast interviews now that the host/show is recognized, etc.
- Greater potential for earned podcast app features (particularly apps that have designated collections for award winners like Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts)
- Increased traffic and followers to your social media, website, newsletter/Substack, etc.
- New networking opportunities with category/competition nominees and judges
How do you submit your podcast for a podcast award?
Podcast awards can be expensive to submit to, and the cost of entry can easily add up. Although there are some scholarships available for podcast award submission fees, it still pays to be strategic about how you enter your work. Some awards have categories just for the host, while other categories focus on the quality of an episode or series under a certain theme. Think about where your podcast’s best strengths are, as well as where you might be most likely to get nominated.
Additionally, podcast awards often have a long application process, and can require more submission materials than just your podcast’s name and RSS feed. Give yourself enough time to gather and submit all the materials needed before the deadline to give your work the best shot at getting judged.
And finally, take a close look at the podcast awards’ eligibility and entry guidelines to make sure your show fits within the award’s criteria and guidelines. When in doubt, reach out! It’s always worth asking someone at the awards if you have any questions about categories, eligibility, etc. They are there to help.
What do I do if I receive a nomination or win a podcast award?
Once you receive word that you have received an award nomination or win an award, be sure to update your show’s materials. That includes cross-promotional scripts, interview pitches, pitch decks for monetization and grant funding, and owned media channels like your social media bio. This can help boost your show’s SEO and re-position your series for new audiences, potential major brands, and prominent media outlets.
Speaking of your podcasting peers, it’s always a good idea to get to know other winners and nominees, as well as the jury and other awards participants (if you can). These achievements are great opportunities to network, meet new people in the industry, and discover new avenues to collaborate.
Lastly, make time to appreciate the recognition yourself! It’s a wonderful feeling to have your hard work be recognized by those in the industry. Even if you’re simply nominated, recognize the listeners, fans, and fellow podcasters who helped you get there.
What are some of the top podcast awards to apply to in 2026?
Here’s a list of some the top podcast awards in 2026 you need to know about, including their entry fees, periods of eligibility, and the deadlines for entry. Good luck!
The Peabody Awards
The Peabody Awards honors excellence in storytelling that reflects the social issues and the emerging voices of our day. The Peabody Awards honor audio-first programming including, but not limited to, documentary or narrative series, news/reporting, interview/conversational series.
Deadline to enter: December 18, 2025
Entry fee: $450 – $900
Eligibility period: Completed works that have premiered between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025
The Webby Awards
Nicknamed “the internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the internet, including podcasts. They’ve been around since 1996 and have a comprehensive list of podcast categories to enter.
Deadline to enter: December 19, 2025
Entry fee: $105 – $775
Eligibility period: October 2024 through February 2026
The Pulitzer Prize
Each spring, Columbia University awards Pulitzer Prizes in 15 journalism categories, including audio journalism. The Audio Reporting category rewards audio journalism that serves the public interest, characterized by revelatory reporting and illuminating storytelling.
Deadline to enter: January 2026
Entry fee: $75
Eligibility period: January 1, 2025 through December 1, 2025
The Shorty Awards
The Shorty Awards honor the most creative and innovative work in digital and social media from brands, agencies, non-profits, and creators around the world.
Deadline to enter: February 19, 2026
Entry fee: $599 – $699
Eligibility period: Work entered must have been at least partially live between January 1st, 2025 and February 19, 2026
The Communicator Awards
The Communicator Awards recognizes excellence, effectiveness and innovation across all areas of communication. Open to all companies, agencies, organizations and individuals, The Communicator Awards honors marketing, communications and creative projects for any audience.
Deadline to enter: January 30, 2026
Entry fee: $215 – $395
Eligibility period: Entries must have been produced after January 1, 2024
The New York Festivals Radio Awards
The New York Festivals Radio Awards honors the exceptional and innovative content being created today on all continents and seen across all platforms, including with podcasts. Each year, they also present the National Press Club Award to the highest scoring news program (or podcast) across news-specific categories.
Deadline to enter: January 31, 2026
Entry fee: $100 – $475
Eligibility period: January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026
The Gracie Awards
The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women, and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.
Deadline to enter: January 22, 2026
Entry fee: $50 – $325 (scholarships available)
Eligibility period: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025
The Golden Globes
Launched in 1944, the Golden Globes is one of the world’s premier entertainment awards recognizing the best in motion pictures and television and beyond, including podcasts as of their 2026 ceremony.
Deadline to enter: October 31, 2026
Entry fee: $500
Eligibility period: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
The Edward R. Murrow Awards
The Edward R. Murrow Awards honor outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism, including podcasts. Edward R. Murrow Awards are presented to news organizations, not individuals. News stations, networks, syndication services, program services, and digital news organizations are all eligible to enter the awards.
Deadline to enter: February 19, 2026
Entry fee: $100 – $280
Eligibility period: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025
Public Media Journalist Awards (PMJA)
PMJA is a champion for journalistic excellence in the vibrant landscape of public media. Every year, PMJA celebrates the outstanding work of journalists who inform, engage, and empower communities through their dedication and skill.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in February 2026
Entry fee: TBC
Eligibility period: TBC
The duPont-Columbia Journalism Awards
The Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award honors excellence in broadcast and digital journalism in the public service and is considered one of the most prestigious awards in journalism. Every year, about a dozen news stories and films, as well as podcasts, are honored for the strength of their reporting, storytelling and impact in the public interest.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in April 2026
Entry fee: $150
Eligibility period: July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
The Davey Awards
The Davey Awards is a premier international creative awards focused exclusively on honoring outstanding work from small agencies, independent creators and in-house teams. If you’re a small shop doing standout work, this stage was built for you.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in April 2026
Entry fee: TBC
Eligibility period: TBC
Online Journalism Awards
The Online Journalism Awards (OJAs), launched in May 2000, are the only comprehensive set of journalism prizes honoring excellence in digital journalism around the world. This award honors exceptional efforts in telling stories through digitally focused audio media: podcasts, audio-focused online works, or other emerging media.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in April 2026
Entry fee: $50
Eligibility period: April 2025 through April 2026
The Signal Awards
The Signal Awards focus on uplifting the podcast medium by recognizing the most potent, meaningful, and unprecedented audio projects being made today. The awards are open to all organizations and individuals involved in the process of creating, running, hosting, managing, maintaining, marketing, or promoting podcasts.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in May 2026
Entry fee: $265 – $325
Eligibility period: The work must have been originally published after September 1, 2025
Want to learn more about The Signal Awards? Check out our episode with The Signal Awards’ General Manager Jemma Brown on this episode of the Webby Award-winning series Podcast Perspectives:
The Anthem Awards
The Anthem Awards celebrate purpose and mission-driven work from people, companies and organizations worldwide.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in July 2026
Entry fee: TBC
Eligibility period: TBC
Black Podcasting Awards
The Black Podcasting Awards celebrate, spotlight, and bolster Black podcasts for more successes and wins.
Deadline to enter: July 31, 2026
Entry fee: $25 – $199
Eligibility period: May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026
The Ambie Awards
The Ambies, presented by The Podcast Academy, celebrate excellence in podcasting and elevate awareness and status of podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling, and expression.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in August 2026
Entry fee: $150 – $325 (with The Podcast Academy members receiving an entry discount)
Eligibility period: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
iHeart Podcast Awards
iHeartRadio’s annual awards show recognizes the top podcasts in America based on the podcasts you say are the best. The awards feature over 20 categories including Crime, Comedy, Music, Sports, Curiosity, as well as hundreds of nominees and special guests. The eighth annual iHeartPodcast Awards ceremony will take place live at SXSW in Austin, Texas, in March 2026.
Deadline to enter: Will likely open in December 2026
Entry fee: Free
Eligibility period: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Podcast awards can provide meaningful opportunities to collaborate with other audio creators, build your podcast’s credibility, and grow your show in a variety of ways. And while the competition is fierce, don’t be afraid to submit your podcast! Just applying can help you situate yourself in the industry and ultimately improve your work.
Have questions? Interested in having The Podglomerate help you with the podcast awards process? Contact us to learn more about our services.
