This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about how podcasting has shed its parameters to become something simultaneously less defined, more influential and much more experimental.

If 2025 was the year podcasting got messy, then I think 2026 is the year the minimum viable product will become the most valuable player. (This is my crystal ball moment). The podcasters who are defining this moment aren’t waiting for permission or perfection. They’re iterating their way to breakthroughs. They’re treating their shows like living prototypes—nimble enough to pivot, brave enough to scrap what isn’t working, and insightful enough to double down on what resonates.

So this year at The Signal Awards, we’re recognizing the risk-takers. We celebrate the spirit of experimentation by honoring creators who lead with authenticity, throw spaghetti at the walls and lower their inhibitions in order to raise the bar. If you’re innovating with format, embracing the spirit of play, or remixing the rules entirely—this is your year.

New Category Offerings
In this sprit, we’re excited to share several new category offerings to best reflect the current state of the industry. This year, we are introducing new ways to honor the expansive world of audio documentaries with new additions including separate categories for History, Tech and True Crime Documentaries. We’re also welcoming new honors for Best Application of Emerging Technology, Relationships, Love and Dating shows, Travel podcasts, podcasts focusing on Mental Health and a new category for Solopreneurs, recognizing creators who single-handedly run their own operation. This year also marks a new honor for Podcast Agency of the Year, recognizing the branded podcast studio behind the most award-winning work in audio storytelling.

Get Your Work Heard by Leaders in the Industry
Our Awards are overseen by The Signal Awards Judging Academy, an esteemed collective made up of the architects, instigators and trailblazers of the medium. New and featured Academy members this season include:

  • Shayne Topp, Host, Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
  • Dan Roth, Editor in Chief and Vice President, LinkedIn
  • Stephanie Hind, Head of Top Creator Partnerships, Patreon
  • Crissle West, Co-Host, The Read
  • Asma Khalid, Co-Host, BBC World’s The Global Story
  • Bobby Finger, Host, Who? Weekly
  • Graham Litten, Podcast Partnerships, YouTube
  • Stephanie Kuo, Vice President of Content, PRX

Help set the benchmark for excellence
The Signal Awards is a standard-bearer of excellence in the podcast industry. By winning, you affirm that your work is highly-regarded and technically sound. Enter the 5th Annual Signal Awards and make your podcast required listening.

We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been making this year!


Jemma Brown
General Manager
The Signal Awards