News Podcast Awards 2026

The Society of Editors has announced the launch of the News Podcast Awards 2026, the first UK awards dedicated exclusively to recognising excellence in news podcast journalism.

Opening for entries in February 2026, the new awards will honour journalism that shapes the national conversation, with winners announced at an awards lunch in central London in June 2026.

The awards have been established to recognise and celebrate the work of journalists and producers using podcasting to deliver high-quality news and current affairs journalism, judged through a clear editorial lens and focused on impact, depth, public interest and engaging storytelling

Announcing the inaugural awards, Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors, said: “Podcasting has become one of the most important ways journalists are informing audiences, scrutinising power and explaining complex issues in depth. Across the UK, journalists and producers are producing exceptional news podcast journalism, breaking stories, providing original insight and shaping public debate.

“The News Podcast Awards will be assessed by more than 60 journalists and editors, bringing real newsroom experience and editorial standards to the judging process.”

The awards will be free to enter and open to any podcast producing news and current affairs journalism, including entries from national and regional news organisations, television and radio broadcasters, and independent journalists.

Categories will span areas such as investigative reporting, true crime, politics, interviews and regional or community journalism, alongside additional categories reflecting the breadth of modern news podcasting.

Full details of the News Podcast Awards, including the full list of categories, entry criteria and judging arrangements, will be published here in the coming days.

For further information, please contact office@societyofeditors.org

The Society of Editors represents more than 500 news leaders and editors and campaigns for the universal right to freedom of expression, the importance of the news media in a democratic society, high editorial standards and the public’s right to know. The Society is supported by Allwyn and VodafoneThree.