The British Podcast Awards matter because they are judged by roughly 200 toughest critics, your industry peers. Our expert judging panels are made up of leaders from across the sector and we pride ourselves on our rigorous and objective judging process. Each entry is judged by five to ten people depending on the judging stage and we design it so that different kinds of people hear your work.
All entries are scored and evaluated on a balanced scale, with judges looking at 3 equal areas:
Quality of ideas & storytelling
Production & listening experience
Impact & audience engagement
The first group of judges, the Longlist judges, review all submitted entries independently online by category-specific panels. Average scores from each panel are combined to form a robust scoring methodology for the longlist.
For the first time ever, the longlist will be announced on 2 July.
The second group of judges, the main stage judges, review the longlist independently online. Average scores from each panel are combined to form a robust scoring methodology for the shortlist.
The shortlist will be announced 24 July.
The Mainstage panels meet virtually to select the winner for each category.
In the event of a tie, the Ambassadors cast the tie-breaking vote.
Winners to be announced at Indigo at the O2 on 1 October 2026.
Mainstage lead judges and the 2026 Ambassadors will meet in-person to discuss and select the high-prestige honours, including the Specialist, Spotlight as well as the Grand Prix Winner.
Winners to be announced at Indigo at the O2 on 1 October 2026.
