NYC Podcast Awards Now Accepting Submissions: Indies Preferred!

 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 display 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."

Last week, Awards Director, Cory Choy announced, "While some in the podcast industry chase video feeds and AI-generated content, the NYC Podcast Awards and the audio communities they support are doubling down on the opposite. The awards — featuring the iconic LIBBY statuette — have opened submissions for their second season, with a live ceremony in New York City on March 12, 2027."

 Entries are open now at www.podcastawards.nyc and close November 15, 2026.

Organized by Emmy Award-winning Silver Sound, the NYC Podcast Awards launched in direct opposition to download-first culture, recognizing exceptional audio CRAFT, the CREATORS themselves, and CONTENT quality. The inaugural festival drew 100+ nominees from around the globe, crowned winners across 38 categories, and filled Bravo Studios in Manhattan during a raucous and joyful, admission-free winners' celebration.

Cory proudly tells us: "Year one of the NYC Podcast Awards proved there is an expansive world of extraordinary audio work that deserves more attention. Year two is about continuing to showcase the best work, known or unknown. Winning a LIBBY Award is a serious accomplishment, and winning shows will be amplified by our festival and the Silver Podcast Network."

The LIBBY statuette, a vintage microphone reimagined as Lady Liberty, was designed by Zach Shukan of Omega Darling and has quickly become one of the most sought-after audio awards because of its unique look. 

New for 2027 are five categories, including Best Field, Foley'd, or Found Sound — a celebration of recording the real world in the age of AI — along with Creator awards honoring immigrant creators and creators with disabilities, Best Community/Local Podcast, and Best Debut Podcast. 

Cory explains: "That brings the field to 54 categories across the awards' three pillars — CRAFT, CREATOR, and CONTENT — with the Creator Award Hall of Fame permanently honoring excellence from historically underrepresented voices through categories named for figures including Hari Kondabolu, Debbie Millman, Noura Erakat, Joanna Fang, and Grace Lee Boggs. Creator Award entry is free with any paid submission."

In addition, every category also crowns an Audience Choice winner, voted entirely by the public when nominees are announced February 4.

Accessibility remains central: entry fees are $75 for students, $100 for independents, and $150 for companies, with full-fee-waiver scholarships available by application (announced November 10, 2026). Eligible episodes are those created January 1, 2025, or later, and entry is open to creators worldwide.

I was honored to be a judge last year, and the entire process was organized and supportive of indie podcasters. This awards process is a necessary counterpoint to the big-name, high-profile awards who establish submission fees that are not accordable for indie podcasters and often assuage their guilt by creating one indie podcast category so that they can tell the media that they "support indie podcasters." 

To me, if you are going to hand out awards in podcasting based on metrics like downloads and plays, don't bother with the nominations and judging. Just choose the winners based on the latest Podtrac rankings. BUT, if you are attempting to discover and illuminate quality creative content that lands with an audience (regardless of size) then give indie podcasters a far chance to compete. 

Submissions open at www.podcastawards.nyc Nov 15, 2026. Submissions close (late entries accepted through December 1, 2026, at a 50% surcharge). On February 4, 2027, Nominees will be announced, and an audience vote opens Mid-Feb 2027. 

The award ceremony will be held on March 12, 2027, in New York City.