Just days after the Golden Globe Awards announced their first‑ever podcast nominees, a new rival recognition for podcast creators has emerged: the NYC Podcast Awards — also known as the Libby Awards. Per the organizers, the Libby Awards are intended to rise “in direct opposition to the download‑first culture dominating podcasting,” prioritizing craft over raw numbers.
What are the Libby Awards?
The Libby Awards are administered by NYC Podcast Awards, spotlighting excellence in areas such as audio engineering, sound design, scriptwriting, voice acting, production quality, and overall storytelling — rather than just popularity metrics. Categories span a wide array of genres and skills, including fiction, nonfiction/documentary, technical achievement, hosting, and even visual branding or podcast cover art.
This approach contrasts sharply with major awards like the Golden Globes, which — in their inaugural Best Podcast category — selected nominees based primarily on listenership data.
Key Dates & Entry Info
- Submissions for the 2026 round opened October 1, 2025.
- Final entry deadline: January 10, 2026.
- Nominees will be announced March 2, 2026; winners revealed at the awards ceremony on March 13, 2026.
- Creators can submit to multiple categories under the three broad tracks: CRAFT, CREATOR, CONTENT.
Why It Matters for Creators and the Industry
- Valuing artistry over popularity — For many creators, craft (writing, editing, sound design) defines a podcast’s quality more than download numbers. The Libby Awards give recognition where commercial charts often overlook.
- Inclusive for smaller or indie producers — Because judging is based on skill and production values rather than scale, indie podcasts or niche‑audience shows have a real shot.
- Complementary to big‑name award shows — While the Golden Globes’ new Best Podcast category signals mainstream acceptance of audio storytelling, the Libby Awards ensure that the creative backbone of podcasting isn’t overshadowed by celebrity and metrics-driven popularity.
For anyone producing podcasts — especially creators focused on story, production quality, or innovation — the Libby Awards represent a meaningful chance to earn recognition based on merit rather than mass appeal.
