NYC Podcast Awards Focuses On The Best Independent Podcasts

 There's an odd duality to awards in podcasting. There are a lot of different award programs within the industry. However, most of those award organizations set their sights on the most high-profile podcasts and hosts instead of the BEST podcasts, often developed and hosted by highly skilled but relatively unknown podcasters. 

The NYC Podcast Awards proudly displays its independent streak, with its Director, Cory Choy, noting, "The NYC Podcast Awards recognize excellence in audio storytelling while championing voices that have been historically underrepresented. We believe exceptional podcasting knows no boundaries—whether geographic, cultural, or economic—and our awards reflect that commitment to accessibility and inclusivity."

 Here is an entry from Podnews on December 10, 2025: "Just days after the announcement of the Golden Globes podcast nominees, the NYC Podcast Awards have been announced. The organizers say it is “launching in direct opposition to the download-first culture dominating podcasting. The Libby Awards recognize craft: sound design, writing, acting, engineering -- and the creators themselves -- as highly as audience size." 

Corey Choy expands: "The NYC Podcast Awards were born from a simple observation: while podcasting has exploded globally, many exceptional creators—particularly from underrepresented communities—remain overlooked by traditional industry recognition. We created these awards to bridge that gap. We believe New York City, as a global crossroads of culture and media, is uniquely positioned to celebrate the full spectrum of audio storytelling talent."

Judging for the awards is occurring right now with the NYC PODCAST AWARD AWARDS CEREMONY being held on March 13th at Bravo Studios in New York Coty. There is also a listening party scheduled March 12th at Bravo Studios for two podcasts not in the competition that are coming out as part of the Silver Podcast Network: My Phantom Memory -- a three-part limited series nonfiction meditation on theater and life from director Mark Blumberg and Phantom of the Opera cast member Scott Mikita -- and LIZZERD a trouble-making fictional comedy romp from Mary McDonald and Elizabeth Watson.

 Cory says of the award process: "We've structured our fees to ensure emerging creators can participate alongside established studios, with scholarships available for those who need support. Our awards celebrate three pillars: CRAFT, CONTENT, and CREATOR. Through our CREATOR categories, we specifically honor excellence from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and international voices—ensuring diverse perspectives are central to our recognition."

Cory Choy is the owner of Silver Sound, an Emmy Award-winning NYC-based boutique studio in the FlatIron District of Manhattan. His parents are musicians and his mother is a writer. Storytelling has always been a part of his life, as has music. 

Cory went to NYU for film for college and quickly found himself attracted to the sound and animation zones of filmmaking. After co-founding Silver Sound in 2006 in part as a way to pursue his interests across the sonic storytelling spectrum, Cory truly fell in love with New York City as an artistic capital of the world. 

Cory says: "From recording on-location for shows and documentaries around the world, to testing out experimental immersive technology, to video games, to voice over, to narrative feature films, to music videos, owning and engineering at a boutique studio in such an incredible place in the world gave me the opportunity to work for, with, and on some of the most creative people and projects in the world."

Cory also wrote, produced, and directed Esme, My Love, a 2022 American psychological horror film, which delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship strained by the specter of a terminal illness and a dark family secret. An indie-festival darling, Esme, My Love won the best thriller/suspense film, the best director for Choy, and best cinematographer for Fletcher Wolfe at the Cannes World Film Festival.  

Cory explains his podcasting journey: "In 2008, I was introduced to the world of podcasting when a man named Christof Luputka walked into the studio and told us that he wanted us to bring cinematic sound quality to his podcast, The Leviathan Chronicles, as part of a 'radio drama revival' movement. I was immediately intrigued and then hooked. Over the years, our studio and I have gone on to work on many, many different podcast and audio-only projects, and it has been an exciting medium that has allowed us to truly appreciate and explore sonic storytelling."

Cory proudly announces: "Beyond the awards themselves, we're creating community experiences that celebrate audio storytelling. Our winners' celebration at Bravo Studios (28th Street, Manhattan) will be accessible at no admission charge. Throughout the year, we'll also host listening parties at venues across New York City, featuring winning work and fostering connections within the audio community. In a country and world where the audio-only ecosystem needs strengthening, we proudly stand alongside conventions, contests, and awards such as the Signal Awards, Ambies, our own Sonic Dash competition, Tribeca Audio, Audioflux, Resonate, ON AIR Fest, Podcast Movement, Audio Spice, and others. Together, we're being the change we want to see—creating spaces where audio creators can not only be recognized but truly thrive."

I'll end with the revelation that Cory and his team were kind enough to ask me to be one of the judges on the panel. I've spent the last ten days reviewing, evaluating, and scoring some of the best independent podcasts in the industry. I'm sure the other judges feel the same way.

Ear Worthy will report on the winners later this week.