The fifth annual Signal Awards have named finalists including iHeartMedia, Audacy, NPR, KCRW, New Hampshire Public Radio, Marfa Public Radio and WRTI, giving several major radio and public-radio organizations recognition in an increasingly competitive podcast market. The finalists were announced yesterday, with Listener’s Choice voting continuing through October 15.
iHeartMedia has multiple finalists, including Smart Talks with IBM from Ruby Studio by iHeartMedia, Straightiolab and CrimeLess from iHeart Productions. Audacy’s unPaused Podcast is a finalist for Best New Podcast, while NPR’s Wild Card with Rachel Martin is nominated for Best Video Podcast Host.
Public radio organizations also have a substantial presence. New Hampshire Public Radio’s Operation Night Cat and Marfa Public Radio’s A Whole Other Country are finalists for Limited Series: Documentary. WRTI’s The Late Set and GBH’s Antiques Roadshow Detours are among the Best Arts and Culture Podcast finalists.
The Signal Awards said submissions increased 30% for the second consecutive year. Listener’s Choice voting is open worldwide through October 15, with winners scheduled to be announced October 20.
For radio companies, the nominations provide another indication of how podcasting has become part of the broader audio competition. The finalists span commercial radio companies, public broadcasters, independent producers and major digital media organizations.
Signal Awards General Manager Jemma Rose Brown said, “Podcasting has become more culturally influential than ever before.”
Source: Sounds Profitable/Signal Awards