Categories 2026
The News Podcast Awards 2026 were open for entry earlier this year and recognise and celebrate the work of journalists and producers using podcasting to deliver high-quality news and current affairs journalism.
A full list of categories appears below and a full list of winners can be found here.
News Podcast Awards 2026 Categories
News Summary Podcast of the Year
Recognising the best podcast that keeps audiences informed through clear, well-judged coverage and commentary of the day’s or week’s news. Judges will look for strong editorial selection, clarity, context, pace and authority.
Investigative Podcast of the Year
For outstanding investigative journalism in podcast form. Judges will look for original reporting, depth, persistence, and storytelling that reveals new information or meaningfully advances public understanding.
True Crime Podcast of the Year
Recognising the best true crime podcast rooted in strong journalism. Judges will look for depth, clarity, and storytelling that goes beyond the case itself to deliver insight, context, and consequence.
Showbiz & Entertainment Podcast of the Year
For the best journalism in entertainment, celebrity and culture. Judges will look for original angles, sharp reporting, and storytelling that captures the wider significance behind the headlines.
Political Podcast of the Year
For exceptional political reporting and analysis. Judges will look for authority, clarity, insight, and the ability to explain political events and decisions with depth, intelligence and relevance.
Royal Podcast of the Year
Recognising the strongest royal reporting in podcast form. Judges will look for editorial judgement, authority, original insight, and coverage that adds genuine understanding of the monarchy and its role in national life.
Scoop / Interview of the Year
For a standout interview or original scoop delivered through podcasting. Judges will look for exclusive content or exceptional questioning, as well as editorial impact and the ability to move the story on.
Business & Economy Podcast of the Year
For the best business, finance or economics podcast. Judges will look for clear explanation of complex issues, authority, relevance to audiences, and journalism that makes economic stories and advice accessible and meaningful.
Best Regional or Community Podcast
Recognising outstanding news podcasting rooted in a place or community. Judges will look for strong local reporting, public service value, storytelling and impact in the region or community it serves.
Podcast of the Year
This is the overall award for the most outstanding news podcast of the year, selected by the Board of Directors of the Society of Editors.
It recognises the podcast that, taken as a whole, represents the most compelling and accomplished example of news podcasting over the past year.
While other categories assess excellence within specific formats or genres, this award is judged more holistically. It may be awarded to a podcast that demonstrates exceptional ambition, originality or impact, even if it has not won in another category.
Judges will consider:
- Editorial strength, authority and clarity of purpose
- Originality of idea, format or execution
- Depth and quality of journalism
- Storytelling craft and ability to engage and hold an audience
- Consistency and overall body of work
- Distinctiveness and ambition
- Impact, resonance or contribution to the news landscape
- Quality of production and presentation
The award is intended to recognise the podcast that stands apart from the field as a whole — not simply the best within a single category, but the one that defines the year in news podcasting.