The Podcast Academy recently concluded its sixth annual Awards for Excellence in Audio, known as the Ambies, highlighting the significant growth and professionalization of the podcasting industry. The ceremony, held at the Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn as part of On Air Fest, served as a benchmark for high-quality audio production and innovative storytelling.
This year's winners reflect a maturing medium where independent creators and major networks alike are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the audio format.
Wisecrack, a production from Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts, emerged as the evening's biggest winner, securing the prestigious Podcast of the Year title. The series also took home awards for Non-Fiction Scriptwriting, Society and Culture Podcast, and Production and Sound Design.
During the acceptance speech, co-host Jodi Tovay emphasized the unique value of the podcasting medium, noting that the project found its home and success in audio after being overlooked by traditional television streamers. This narrative underscores a growing trend: podcasting is no longer just a secondary platform but a primary destination for premium, complex narratives that require a high degree of technical and creative precision.
The 2026 ceremony also introduced the inaugural Vanguard Podcaster of the Year award, presented to Pablo Torre. This new category recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the industry by expanding their influence beyond traditional audio, setting new standards for multi-dimensional content creation. Torre, known for the sports-centered program Pablo Torre Finds Out, represents the shift toward podcasters becoming holistic media brands that engage audiences across multiple touchpoints, including digital video and live events.
Beyond individual accolades, the 2026 Ambies recognized institutional excellence and long-term industry contributions. Kara Swisher received the Governors Award for her extensive career in tech journalism and her role in elevating podcasting to a central arena for cultural conversation.
Additionally, the late Reggie Ossé, a pioneer in hip-hop journalism and early podcasting, was posthumously honored with the Impact Award. These honors remind creators and businesses that the medium's strength lies in its ability to build deep, personal connections with listeners while maintaining editorial integrity.
Technical excellence remains a cornerstone of the awards, with winners like Twenty Thousand Hertz taking the Best Entertainment Podcast category and Radiolab securing the award for Best Knowledge, Science or Tech Podcast. For small businesses and content teams, these winners provide a blueprint for high-quality production values.
The recognition of categories such as Best Branded Podcast, won by Sesame Street: Cookie Monster Mysteries, and Best Ad Read, won by Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, demonstrates that marketing and advertising in audio can be both effective and creatively rewarding.
As the industry looks toward the remainder of the year, the 2026 Ambies winners serve as a clear indicator of the direction of the market. There is a continued emphasis on high-quality sound design, diverse storytelling, and the integration of video, as seen in the Best Use of Video in a Podcast category won by Tales Unrolled.
For those looking to scale their audio presence, studying these award-winning workflows provides actionable insights into building authority and reaching wider audiences through professional-grade production.
For more information on the tools and strategies used by leading creators, visit PodcastVideos.com to explore our latest guides on production and distribution. Readers can find the full list of winners and nominees at the official Ambies website or through the latest updates at Podnews.
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