Judging Criteria
Entries are judged based on the following criteria:
Quality of Craft
Craft is a measure of rigor and technical execution relative to the type of show made and the category entered. This includes (but is not limited to) the quality of the pacing, narration, script writing, recording, on-mic chemistry, sound design, integration of effects and actualities — all of the aspects that account for a compelling listening experience.
Content
Determining the quality of the concept considers how successfully the creator’s idea is communicated. Is the content engaging and thought-provoking? Does the story or conversation have resonance and stay with you long after listening? What strategies have been put into place to engage the audience and keep them returning? Is the conversation or narrative coherent and engaging? Does it hold your attention?
Creativity & Innovation
In a saturated market, it is important for a podcast to stand apart. Does this podcast engage a fresh take on a format, topic or raise new perspectives? Are creative ideas brought to bear on the craft, hosting or stories being told? This criteria measures how the podcast contributes to the evolution of the medium.
Experience
The experience score reflects the overall impression the entry made on you. It encompasses the topic, storytelling, and production, as well as those intangible factors that make a podcast stand apart. Will the podcast stick with you? Is this an award-winning work? A strong overall score should be given to work that sets an industry standard.
Brand Integration [for Brand Storytelling categories]
Award-winning Brand Storytelling podcasts amplify a brand’s mission and message. Did the brand use the audio medium in a compelling way? Did you gain a new insight into the brand’s values or point of view through listening to their podcast? Did the content reflect and succeed in uplifting the brand? Your score for this criteria should be a reflection of that success — from both a consumer and industry perspective.
Judging Process
Members of The Signal Awards Judging Academy independently evaluate each entry submitted during the Call for Entries, listening and rating based on the category’s respective criteria. Every entry is evaluated by multiple Judges for a cumulative score and designated as Gold, Silver or Bronze based on scoring thresholds. All Finalists as determined by The Judges regardless of medal status are additionally eligible for their work to enter Signal’s Listener’s Choice campaign, a public voting period that culminates in a single Listener’s Choice Award Winner per category.
Disclosure
We understand that conflicts of interest are a potential threat, and we take these conflicts very seriously. We do everything in our power to minimize occurrences of conflicts while ensuring that the best work is recognized.
Signal Awards does not influence the judges in any way. We select a diverse body of judges who we feel are objective, respected, and knowledgeable in their category. Recognized Podcasts are entirely in the hands of these Judges, who select and vote on the entries through an independent process. Jurors are not allowed to participate or vote in a category where they have a conflict of interest.