Podcasts are becoming an integral part of our daily media consumption and the British Podcast Awards stands as an industry standard for recognition of the industry’s finest. As the 2024 ceremony approaches on Sept 26, the awards promise to showcase the diversity, creativity, and impact of the UK’s bustling podcast universe.
A New Host
This year, the British Podcast Awards will be hosted by comedian Marcus Brigstocke. Known for his sharp wit , Brigstocke recently became a podcast host himself.
“I’m delighted to be hosting this year’s British Podcast Awards,” Brigstocke enthused. “In the space of a few years I’ve gone from not understanding what they are to now being a certified podcast addict and even having one of my own!” His excitement is palpable, promising an entertaining evening that celebrates both established voices and emerging talent in the podcast world.
A Showcase of Diversity
The nominee list for the 2024 awards indicate the breadth and depth of podcasting in the UK. From hard-hitting documentaries to light-hearted comedy shows, the nominations span a wide range of genres and topics.
Arts & Culture: A Sonic Canvas
The Arts & Culture category this year has an impressive lineup. Nominees include “Folk on Foot,” a show that combines music and walking to explore the UK’s rich folk heritage, and “Legend: The Joni Mitchell Story,” which is the life and work of the iconic singer-songwriter.
“Kermode and Mayo’s Take” brings the duo’s celebrated film criticism to the podcast world, while “Intersections: Detroit” offers a unique exploration of the city’s cultural landscape. “MUBI Podcast” and “Offstage: Inside The X Factor” provide behind-the-scenes insights into the world of cinema and television, respectively.
Comedy: Laughter in Your Ears
The Comedy category showcases the British sense of humour in all its glory. “From The Oasthouse” features Alan Partridge in his inimitable style, while “The Guilty Feminist” continues to blend comedy with astute social commentary. “Help I Sexted My Boss” offers laugh-out-loud advice for modern dilemmas, and “The Skewer” provides a satirical take on current affairs.
New entries like “Educating Daisy” and “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake” demonstrate the category’s ability to constantly innovate and find fresh comedic angles.
Documentary: Real Stories, Real Impact
In the Documentary category, nominees like “Believe in Magic” and “Bloodlines” promise to delve into compelling real-life stories. “Black Box – The Hunt for Clothoff” and “Poison” offer investigative journalism at its finest, while “Short Cuts” continues to push the boundaries of audio storytelling.
“The Gatekeepers” and “The Girlfriends” round out a category that showcases the podcast medium’s ability to tackle complex subjects with depth and nuance.
Climate: Podcasts for the Planet
The inclusion of a dedicated Climate category underscores the podcast industry’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues. Nominees like “Black Gold” and “Our Broken Planet” tackle the challenges of climate change head-on, while “Get Birding” and “Waterlands” explore the natural world and our relationship with it.
“Mission: Responsible” and “Saving Planet Earth” offer practical advice and inspirational stories in the fight against climate change, demonstrating how podcasts can be a force for positive action.
Business: From Boardrooms to Startups
The Business category reflects the growing importance of podcasts in the corporate world. “Bloomberg Daybreak Europe” brings daily financial news to listeners, while “Boss Class” offers insights into leadership and management. “Good Bad Billionaire” examines the ethics of wealth, and “Sacred Money” explores the intersection of finance and spirituality.
“The Factory Next Door” and “The Third Angle” provide unique perspectives on business and industry, showcasing the category’s range and depth.
News & Current Affairs: Staying Informed
In an age of information overload, the News & Current Affairs category highlights podcasts that cut through the noise. “The News Agents” brings together seasoned journalists for in-depth analysis, while “A Muslim and a Jew Go There” tackles interfaith issues with sensitivity and insight.
“Bloodlines” and “Poison” demonstrate the power of investigative podcasting, and “The Great Post Office Trial” continues to shed light on one of the UK’s most significant miscarriages of justice.
Rising Stars: The Future of Podcasting
The Rising Star category, supported by Wondery, showcases the next generation of podcast talent. Nominees like Bella Neale, Emily Esson, and Kwesia (aka City Girl In Nature) represent diverse voices and perspectives, promising a bright future for British podcasting.
This category not only recognizes emerging podcasters but also provides them with free tickets to the ceremony, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent talented creators from participating in this celebration of their craft.
Nurturing New Talent
The British Podcast Awards’ commitment to fostering new talent extends beyond the Rising Star category. The awards’ bursary scheme, supported by Wondery, ensures that shortlisted podcasters can attend the ceremony regardless of their financial situation.
Chris Baughen, Wondery’s head of UK podcast content, emphasized the importance of this support: “Teaming up with the BPA’s to continue our support for the bursary scheme is really important to the team and I. Bursaries like these support the reduction of financial barriers to enter and attend awards, which in turn helps to a diverse podcast industry.”
A Night of Glamour and Recognition
The 2024 ceremony, set to take place on 26 September at London’s HERE @ Outernet venue, promises to be a night of celebration and networking for the podcast industry. The introduction of a new premium package, offering a pre-show dinner and VIP drinks reception, adds an extra layer of glamour to the proceedings.
However, the organizers have been careful to balance this touch of luxury with accessibility. The adjustment of entry ticket prices ensures that the awards remain open to all, reflecting the democratic nature of podcasting itself.
A Reflection of Our Times
The diversity of nominees across categories like True Crime, History, and Wellbeing reflects the podcast medium’s unique ability to tackle complex subjects in depth. In True Crime, nominees such as “Gangster-The Story of the Burger Bar Boys” and “The Crossbow Killer” demonstrate the enduring popularity of the genre, while also raising important questions about crime and justice.
The History category features innovative shows like “Have You Heard George’s Podcast?” which blends historical narrative with contemporary issues, and “Three Million,” which explores untold stories from Britain’s past.
In the Wellbeing category, podcasts like “The HIV Podcast” and “The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan” address health and lifestyle issues with sensitivity and expertise, while “You’re Wrong About ADHD” challenges misconceptions about neurodiversity.
Celebrating Linguistic Diversity
The inclusion of a Welsh Language category highlights the awards’ commitment to celebrating linguistic diversity. Nominees like “Gwreichion,” “Hanes Mawr Cymru,” and “Pod Sgorio” showcase the vitality of Welsh-language podcasting.
Looking to the Future
As the podcast industry continues to evolve, the British Podcast Awards play a crucial role in setting benchmarks for quality and innovation. The introduction of new categories, such as Best Host(s), shows the awards’ responsiveness to industry trends and the growing recognition of the unique skills required to engage listeners in the audio medium.
Nominees for Best Host(s) include established names like Dan Snow and Gabby Logan & Mark Chapman, as well as rising stars like William Hanson & Jordan North, demonstrating the category’s range and depth.
Matt Deegan, co-founder of Podcast Discovery, summed up the significance of the event: “We’re excited that Podcast Discovery is supporting the British Podcast Awards. It’s the biggest podcast event that brings together all of podcasting’s rich tapestry. We’re committed to helping podcasts be found and we think there’s nothing better than a nomination or a win to help shine a spotlight on a great show.”