Recognising the rise of the daily podcast (and all the production resources that may require), this category is for shows whose 24-hour deadlines allow for a different relationship with their listeners.

Whether you produce sport, entertainment, news or something else entirely, your entries should reflect how the daily mechanism allows you to produce your best show… and how you maintain your quality every single day.

This category is for companies that have a public-facing brand around a slate of shows.

Like other categories, your entry should be between three and five clips. This can be from any of your network’s podcasts but should demonstrate the range and quality of content you’re producing. In addition, your written submission should detail your success this year, in whichever ways you define that success.

Incorporating interview formats across many topics: from books, to comedy, to health, to human interest. Whether your guests are super famous or just damned interesting… perhaps they’re edited with a light touch, or cut down to size... either way, we want our judges to discover the finest, most compelling, incisive conversation produced this year.

Unlike most other categories, entries can either be one extract from a podcast published in the qualifying period, up to 15 minutes in length or up to five clips from up to five episodes.

We want to champion the best launch of a show across any genre – if you have managed to start well and keep getting better, tell us how. To qualify, you will have started the podcast – and published six episodes – in 2025 to 26.

Outstanding entries in this category will demonstrate the creative potential of the show, through new talent, writing or formats, rather than its current listener reach. Judges will want to label the winner ‘the ones to watch’ and forever claim they were listening from the beginning.

This award recognises podcasts that combine skilful video craft and production flair to enhance the listening experience, engage audiences, and push the boundaries of video podcasting.

From simple, well-crafted studio recordings to ambitious multi-camera productions, this category recognises excellence in video storytelling, production and audience engagement across all genres. Judges will be looking for podcasts that demonstrate a clear creative vision for video, using it purposefully — whether to extend reach, attract new audiences, deepen connections with fans, or bring the podcast format to life visually through content, production and editing.

Qualifying podcasts must have added episodes to a YouTube podcast playlist, uploaded video episodes to Spotify or made video files available directly through an RSS feed. Additionally shows that make their video episodes available online whilst audio versions are available through RSS will also be accepted.

Celebrating the podcasts dedicated to the fans, set to inspire, empower and entertain new releases or forgotten classics. Whether through reviews, interviews, discussion, we are looking for programmes that delve into the arts.

Outstanding entries in this category will go beyond episode recaps or the typical ‘thumbs up/down’ critiques and give listeners and super fans fresh angles, in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes stories on the art forms they love.

Inspiring the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. This category champions knowledge and skills across multiple facets of business, from management and leadership, to financing, marketing and technology.

You could be showcasing stories of great leadership, offering a glimpse into personal experiences and life lessons or helping listeners stay on top of current business and economic trends.

As with all our categories, we’re looking for shows that reflect the diversity of ideas, backgrounds and industry in our country. So, the best entries will need to be fresh-sounding, personable and inclusive.

Not to be confused with our entertainment category, this is for podcasts that aren’t just funny… but have finely crafted jokes inside. From panel shows to parody, improv to sitcoms and entirely new formats that only podcasts can create. Judges have been instructed to reward the podcast that tickled the jury the most, not necessarily the one that appealed to everyone. Make one judge laugh harder than any of the other entries, and you’ll walk away with the prize.

Outstanding entries in this category will be markedly different from the traditional 28’ radio formats, pushing boundaries or reaching listeners beyond those tuning into FM stations

We recognise there are different types of comedy: it could be belly laughs, sweet-natured, angry or timely satire, just plain surreal... all are welcome.

Documentaries take listeners into new worlds and experiences through real people, places, and events. But it's not just about providing facts; we're interested in how producers weave them into an overall narrative that's compelling as well as truthful.

Outstanding entries in this category will combine excellent scripted narration with field recordings and interviews, sophisticated editing and sound design, all to achieve the most natural, accessible storytelling.

Acknowledging the important role podcasts now play in education - whether you’re teaching a language, providing self help courses or improving knowledge on a particular topic.

Outstanding entries in this category will demonstrate the techniques and production skills needed to teach effectively, and show how their compilation extends to a well structured series of lessons for listeners.

Incorporating music shows, funny people, magazine formats, true storytelling shows and chat-based formats. If you put a spring in your listeners’ step, providing toe-tappin’, chin-strokin’, chuckle-inducing’ escapism... you should apply within.

Outstanding entries in this category will revel in their eclecticism, curating content or features that your subscribers unquestionably consume with open hearts and minds.

Our ‘Best Factual’ category, under a PR-friendly name. From why we need bees to the intricacies of language - entries here should improve our understanding of ourselves and the world in an entertaining and accessible way. Whether your schtick is entertaining trivia or any number of gloriously niche subjects, to become ‘Smartest Podcast’ at the British Podcast Awards is to make audiences smarter the longer they stay listening.

Outstanding entries in this category will elevate the potentially driest of subjects to unmissable listening, making best use of podcasting’s unique qualities.

Incorporating drama, readings, and ground-breaking new formats for storytelling.

Outstanding entries in this category will incorporate production that suits the story/stories and sound design that acknowledges an audience primarily of headphone users. New writing, new talent, new ways of looking at the world - these will be noted favourably.

You can submit up to 30mins of audio. This can be in the form of a single piece, or a selection of up to 5 clips. Please also note that you have to have released at least three episodes in the past twelve months to qualify.

From cooking, eating and hospitality to culture, craft and the people behind what we consume, this category recognises podcasts that place food and drink at the centre of their focus. Judges will be looking for strong ideas, engaging audio, and high production values. Podcasts may be chat-led, interview-based or narrative in format, and should demonstrate originality and a clear connection with their audience.

Unpicking what has become a complicated subject for many, this category champions podcasts focused on positive learning, optimised health and overall self-improvement.

Your audio should illustrate how you tackle healthier lifestyles and sensitive topics and provide a toolkit for listeners to apply to their own lives. Outstanding entries should offer expert advice and/or debunk common myths providing audiences with a great way to relax while learning at the same time.

Please add any trigger warnings to your tracklisting that judges ears might find sensitive.

Be it a deep-dive into our ancestors or a whistle-stop tour of the twentieth century, the British Podcast Awards would like to recognise the work being done by the best podcast historians in the country.

Outstanding entries in this category will take care over accuracy and perspective, whilst telling their stories with passion, empathy and relevance.

What are the stories that really matter? This category awards podcasts that explore key perspectives around social, environmental, political and economic issues shaping our world.

Open to a wide range of themes, from climate and sustainability to clean technologies and the path to a net-zero future, inequality, activism, human rights and social change.

Winners will demonstrate their ability to drive meaningful conversations, inform, challenge and inspire audiences using creative, innovative and compelling audio to deepen understanding, amplify underrepresented voices, and drive meaningful conversation beyond the episode itself.

Recognising the shows that entertain children with either high quality storytelling, amazing facts or very silly jokes.

Outstanding entries in this category will... educate their audience in an accessible and entertaining manner. Children's podcasts should demonstrate how they engage listeners through format, casting and tone.

Celebrating shows that encompass the way people live, including their style, pastimes and the experiences they seek. Whether guiding listeners on a journey, exploring personal connections with food or offering advice to level up, we’re looking for podcasts that can offer both escapism and comfort.

Outstanding entries will go beyond news and reviews, telling a relatable story and providing expert commentary to foster strong relationships with their audience.

Whether you’re an in-depth discussion programme about the political, economic and social forces shaping the world or a quick look at the headlines, we want to hear podcasts that have sought insight into our complex society.

Outstanding entries in this category will find new angles on recent events, beyond the headlines and 24-hour news cycles, retaining relevance with an audience beyond the week they were published.

Whether you’re providing a weekly check in for parents everywhere, or something more targeted at a community, we want to hear from shows that tell it like it *really* is, help us overcome those stressful times and give us fresh insights into modern family living.

Outstanding entries in this category will showcase new formats and treatments you use to tell your parenting stories - or how long-running shows are keeping their presentation fresh and inclusive.

Recognising the great work being done in sex education and relationship advice; representing a wider variety of sexual experiences than has previously been the case in mainstream media.

Outstanding entries in this category will have a high standard of research (whether in terms of guests or subject matter) and presentation that confronts taboos in an entertaining and accessible way.

Maybe you have incisive analysis, exceptional pundits and great access or perhaps the discussion is merely a sideshow to the blossoming, unspoken romance between your contributors. Regardless, if you have a loyal audience and an entertaining show, you should enter.

Outstanding entries in this category will be able to demonstrate a fanbase loyal to the podcast beyond the dreams of most sports clubs. Audience size is not a factor: making niche sports accessible to wider audiences would be as valued here as much as any show pegged to a major sporting tournament.

Still one of podcasting's most popular genres, winners in this category will be outstanding in their field. Whether it’s original investigations or pure storytelling, judges will be looking for well-researched programmes, with evocative storytelling and human stories at its heart.

Outstanding entries in this category will have crafted a format around the material available, whether that’s archive, original interviews or other techniques, playing with this most established of podcast genres to create something unique.

Entries in this category should feature Welsh as the predominant language. It can be from any genre – entries will be judged, like our other awards, by their ability to represent ideas, people and perspectives not catered for in existing media; a great listening experience that opens hearts, minds or laughter-holes.

Calling all new producers and presenters! If you have under two year’s experience in podcasting and doing great things we would like to hear your story.

This is a category for individuals rather than a show. In the written section outline your achievements over the last two years, and if relevant attach up to 15 minutes of audio of your work. Be sure to reference in the track listing your involvement in the audio you include.

Entries are welcome for yourself or a colleague.

Outstanding entries in this category will include… testimony from audiences and colleagues, as well as showcasing the exceptional impact of your work – either qualitatively, quantitatively or both.

This category recognises exceptional hosts (including solo hosts and teams) who demonstrate engaging chemistry, clear communication with their listeners, and command of the microphone. Criteria for this category includes consistency in delivery and presentation, a strong understanding of tone and atmosphere, and informative or engaging conversations. Outstanding hosts or teams will exhibit a dynamic blend of creativity, confidence, and charm to draw listeners into their world.