Thank you for being part of The Signal Awards Judging Academy. Our award is mission-focused on uplifting the podcast medium by recognizing the most potent, meaningful and unprecedented audio projects being made today – and The Judging Academy is the engine and heart of this effort. As a member of The Academy, you’ll be eligible to cast your votes annually to select Winners each fall. Below are resources to announce your participation, downloadable graphics and answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
We additionally encourage all members of The Academy to join our Judges LinkedIn Group. This is where we share out about upcoming get togethers and opportunities on our radar. It’s also a shared resource for Members to promote their projects, solicit feedback and connect with one another. See you there!
Announce Your Participation
Let your professional community know you are part of The Academy and helping to select the best podcasts of 2025. We’ve made customizable templates, 4:5 for LinkedIn or Instagram Grid posts, and Instagram Stories.
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Suggested copy to use or adapt
The 5th Annual @signalawards are open for entries with a new suite of categories recognizing the podcasts that define culture. Submit by May 8th at signalaward.com so I can judge your work!
I’m a Judge this season at the @signalawards, which recognize the best podcasts being made today. Entries are now open, and I’d love to hear your work included. Enter at signalaward.com by May 8th.
What are you working on?
We regularly feature our Judges and their latest projects on our social channels and in our Signal email newsletter. Please share your upcoming events, new show launches and updates with us via this form. We’d love to spotlight your work and lastest accomplishments!
What’s New This Year at Signal?
The podcast landscape is rapidly changing, and 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.
A full list of our categories can be found here.
The Signal Calendar
- The Early Entry Deadline for The Signal Awards is Friday, May 8th, 2026, offering entrants the opportunity to receive preferred pricing.
- The Final Entry Deadline is Friday, June 26th, 2026.
- The Extended Entry Deadline is Friday, July 31st, 2026.
- Judging begins in late June, and extends through the middle of September.
- Finalists will be announced in late September.
- Public Voting will run through early October, with Winners announced in mid October.
- Our Signal Award Winners party will be held the second week of November, 2026.
More Questions About the ins & outs of Judging?
Check out our FAQ here or reach out to Judging Academy Manager, DJ Ryan at dj@signalaward.com. If you are interested in partnerships, sponsorships or have feedback about the program, contact Jemma directly at jemma@signalward.com.
Join Your Fellow Judges on LinkedIn
We created this private group so that Signal Judges can learn who else is on The Academy, ask questions about the judging process, learn about our networking events, and most importantly, connect with one another. We hope you’ll take full advantage of this space to share resources and promote your projects.
