Adweek's Podcast of the Year Awards Expand, Adding 7 New Categories Such as True Crime

These days, the question "Do you listen to podcasts?" can sound about as silly as asking "Do you watch movies?" Podcasting has grown into such a massive and mainstream industry, fandom is less a question of format than of genre. Would you kill to find another true crime podcast worth bingeing? Or maybe you take out your pandemic-confined wanderlust via travel podcasts? This year, Adweek's Podcast of the Year Awards are expanding to better represent this reality of modern audio content. Adweek has added seven new categories to the juried competition, bringing the total to 28 categories. One winner from these honorees will be selected for the awards program's top honor, Podcast of the Year. Last year's top honor went to Go Off, Sis, produced by Refinery29's Unbothered team focused on issues that matter to women of color. The year prior, Adweek's Podcast of the Year was Kara Swisher's Recode Decode from Vox Media. Entries are now open for Adweek's 2021 Podcast of the Year Awards until Oct. 4. One category remains free to enter: Best Diversity and Inclusion Podcast. Here's a look at all this year's categories: Podcast Episode of the YearRecognizing a single episode of an ongoing or limited-run podcast. The episode should illustrate ambitious storytelling, excellence in production and innovation within the podcast medium. Podcast Producer of the YearRecognizing a consummately reliable, organized and proactive producer who serves as the logistical backbone and sanity protector for any ongoing or limited-run podcast. Podcast Editor of the YearRecognizing an editor who enhances and invigorates storytelling through subtle and thoughtful editing on any ongoing or limited-run podcast. Podcast Host of the YearRecognizing a host or consistent hosting panel who bring unique personality, insight and engagement to any ongoing or limited-run podcast. Ideal candidates will be reflective of how podcast storytelling remains fresh through constant evolution. Podcast Executive of the YearRecognizing a senior leader dedicated to podcast oversight within an organization, whether it is a company focused on audio content or one that produces podcasts as a secondary priority. This executive should show a track record of constant innovation, decisive leadership and excellent team building. Podcast Network of the YearRecognizing an organization that produces and/or hosts more than three distinct podcasts. Ideal honorees are networks that support their podcasts through a blend of marketing, investment, collaboration and innovative digital tools. Podcast Innovator of the YearRecognizing a strategic visionary who brings bold new ideas, technical invention and cultural awareness to the podcasts with which they are affiliated. This honoree can be someone helping advance the medium through any number of roles, whether through corporate leadership, product innovation or storytelling. Best Thought Leadership PodcastRecognizing the podcast that best conveys wisdom and insight for professional audiences, regardless of niche or size. Key factors include practical experience, relevance, consistency and audio quality. Best Technology PodcastRecognizing a podcast that elevates technology coverage beyond the traditional gadget discussion and engages audiences of all experience levels through a blend of insight, approachability and personality. Best Branded PodcastRecognizing the best in audio storytelling or thought leadership through a podcast created by or for a specific brand. Key factors include audio quality, unique value for listeners, engaging narratives and measurable business results. Best Innovation PodcastRecognizing a podcast that looks at innovation through any lens—business, society, culture, technology, science, etc.—in a way that's compelling, creative and clear. Best Podcast Hosted by a PublisherRecognizing engaging analysis and exceptional audio storytelling in a podcast created by publishers for a general or niche audience. Best Agency-Hosted PodcastRecognizing an exceptional podcast developed and hosted by a multi-person agency (creative, strategy, consulting, media or otherwise). Best TV and Streaming PodcastRecognizing an ongoing or limited-run podcast focused on either the TV/streaming industries or a specific program. Key factors include professional insight, expertise, and a demonstrated range of topics within the core theme. Best Diversity and Inclusion Podcast (Free to enter)Recognizing a podcast that advances issues such as diversity, inclusion, gender balance, acceptance and advocacy through insightful commentary, fresh perspectives and strong awareness of the industries being discussed. Best Entrepreneurship PodcastRecognizing a podcast that empowers and emboldens listeners to pursue their dreams of owning a business while also offering dependable advice on making each venture a success. Key factors include host experience, practical tips and a tone that balances realism with inspiration. Best Creativity PodcastRecognizing a podcast that fans the flames of creativity, invigorating professionals in industries such as art, advertising and music to explore new ideas and approaches. Best Podcast EventRecognizing a live, in-person event directly connected to a podcast, either in the form of a live recording, a pop-up activation or a destination event such as a festival. Key factors include originality, fan engagement and relevance of the event tie-in to the podcast. Best Podcast Site or AppRecognizing an industry-leading website, voice skill, digital experience or mobile app tied to a podcast, podcast network or podcast-centric service. Key factors include user experience design and innovative features that amplify the podcast experience. Best Interview PodcastRecognizing insightful podcasts in which most episodes are based around interviews with experts or inventive leaders. Key factors include audio quality, range of guests, interview quality and topical focus. Best Marketing PodcastRecognizing a bold and thought-provoking podcast that focuses on the marketing industry, whether through trend analysis, interviews or other storytelling approaches. Best New Podcast (New Category)Recognizing a compelling, high-quality and engaging new podcast launched since June 1, 2020. Best True Crime Podcast (New Category)Honoring an ongoing or limited-run podcast dedicated to true crime and bringing new dimensions of storytelling to this popular niche Best Storytelling Podcast (New Category)Honoring an ongoing or limited-run podcast that's focused on narrative storytelling, either based in nonfiction, fiction or a blend of the two. While this category is open to shows focused on any topic, aspects such as structure, presentation and sound engineering are key. Best Pop Culture Podcast (New Category)If your podcast focuses on celebrities, music, cultural trends, fashion or other related topics about popular culture, this is the category for you. Judges will be looking for shows that balance entertaining presentation with insightful commentary and distinct voices. Best Travel Podcast (New Category)Honoring a show that brings the joys, discoveries and occasional headaches of travel to listeners in a captivating way. Applicable podcasts might be narrative and personal or informative and practical, as long as they leave audiences feeling more aware of the larger world around them. Best Sports Podcast (New Category)Whether shows are focused on a highly specific sporting niche or any teams and topics that are hot at the moment, this category celebrates sports podcasts with consistently compelling commentary and insight. Best Comedy Podcast (New Category)Honoring a can't-miss show with a focus on humor, even if topics and conversations might sometimes stray into areas of sincerity, emotion and heartache. Whether hosted by a comedian or telling stories through the lens of comedy, the honoree should demonstrate how comedy helps us process how we make sense of the chaotic world around us. Podcast of the Year [Drawn from Winners in Other Categories]This "Best in Show" honor is awarded by the jurors, in partnership with Adweek's newsroom leaders, to the podcast determined to be the year's most exceptional among top honorees in all other categories. Entries cannot be submitted specifically into this category. Learn more and enter your podcast here.