If you’re reading this thinking…
“Awards? That’s for the big podcast lads.”
Every year, we hear people talk themselves out of entering awards before they’ve even looked at the categories.
We think that’s a big shame.
As media partners of the Audio Production Awards (APAs), we’re delighted to see entries open for 2026. The awards celebrate the incredible people making podcasts, radio and audio across the UK – not just the presenters you hear, but the producers, editors, sound designers, writers and teams working behind the scenes too.
Whether you’re an independent podcaster, a production company, a charity, or creating audio for your organisation, this could be your year.
We bagged the Silver Award for Best Grassroots in 2022!
What are the Audio Production Awards?
Run by AudioUK, the APAs have been celebrating excellence in audio since 2010 and have grown into one of the biggest events in the UK podcast and audio calendar.
This year there are 30 award categories, recognising everything from comedy and documentary podcasts to history, kids’ content, sound design and presenting.
There are also six new and updated categories for 2026, including:
- Executive Producer of the Year
- International Breakthrough Award
- Experimental Sound Design
- Best Use of Video
- Non-Fiction Audiobook
- Ensemble Cast
The awards aren’t just about the biggest audiences or the biggest budgets, they’re about brilliant storytelling, creativity and craft.
Why We Think You Should Enter
Winning an award would be lovely. But that’s not actually why we’d encourage you to enter.
Here’s why…
Raise awareness of your podcast
Whether you’re trying to reach more supporters, attract new listeners or showcase your organisation’s work, entering the APAs is another opportunity to get your podcast in front of people who care about great audio.
Build trust and credibility
Imagine being able to say your podcast is APA shortlisted or APA award-winning.
That’s a powerful piece of social proof. You can add it to your website, your podcast artwork, social media, email signature and press releases. It’s a simple way of showing people that your podcast has been recognised by industry experts.
Give you and your team a well-deserved boost
Podcasting takes graft. Planning, recording, editing, promoting… often squeezed in between your actual day job and everything else life throws at you.
Entering an award is a brilliant opportunity to stop, celebrate what you’ve created and recognise everyone who’s helped bring it to life.
Strengthen funding bids and partnerships
For charities, CICs and purpose-led organisations, external recognition can go a long way. Being shortlisted or winning an award can strengthen funding applications, trustee reports and partnership conversations by demonstrating the quality and impact of your work.
Show you take your audio seriously
Whether you’re an independent creator, a charity or a business, entering awards sends a message.
It says you care about producing great audio. It shows you’re investing in quality, storytelling and your audience’s experience. And that’s something worth shouting about.
A Few Tips Before You Hit ‘Submit’
If you’re thinking about entering, here are a few things we’d recommend.
Pick your strongest work
Choose the clips or episodes that best showcase what you do.
Tell the story
Your supporting statement matters, don’t just explain what the podcast is about. Explain why you made it, what you were trying to achieve and what makes it stand out.
Read the category guidance carefully
There are 30 categories this year, so take a bit of time to find the one that best fits your work. Sometimes the obvious category isn’t always the strongest one for your work.
Key Dates
- Entries open: Wednesday 1st July
- Early Bird entry fee: Until Sunday 30th August
- Final deadline: Wednesday 16th September at 2pm
- Awards ceremony: Thursday 26th November at the BFI, London
There’s also a Pay What You Can scheme, supported by Amazon Music, to help ensure financial barriers don’t stop brilliant work from being recognised.
Why This Matters To Us at MIC media
At MIC, we spend every day helping organisations tell stories that matter through podcasts.
We’ve worked with charities, universities, social enterprises, public sector organisations and businesses to launch podcasts that inform, inspire and connect with their audiences.
That’s why we’re so proud to be media partners of the Audio Production Awards. Because they celebrate something we care deeply about. Not just great audio, but people behind them.
Thinking About Entering?
If you’re considering submitting your audio but aren’t quite sure where to start, we’d love to encourage you to go for it.
You never know where it might lead!
Find Out More
You can find all the categories, eligibility criteria and entry information on the Audio Production Awards website.
Good luck to everyone entering – we’ll be cheering you on!
