iHeartPodcast Awards 2026: Podcasting's Mainstream Moment at SXSW

NEW YORK, NY – January 14, 2026 – Underscoring the explosive growth and cultural ascendancy of the podcasting industry, iHeartMedia today announced the details for its 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards. In a move that solidifies the medium's place at the heart of the entertainment landscape, the ceremony will return to Austin, Texas, in partnership with South by Southwest® (SXSW®) for the second consecutive year.

Actress, comedian, and podcaster Ego Nwodim is set to host the event from ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Monday, March 16, 2026. The ceremony will celebrate the industry's most influential creators and popular shows across more than two dozen categories, with the proceedings broadcast live on select iHeartMedia radio stations and the iHeartRadio app. The announcement signals not just a night of celebration but a powerful statement on the maturation of audio as a premier form of media.

A Deepening Alliance: Podcasting at the Heart of SXSW

The continued partnership between iHeartMedia, the world's largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, and SXSW, the global festival celebrating the convergence of tech, film, and culture, is strategically significant. By embedding the awards within the SXSW framework, podcasting is positioned alongside established entertainment pillars, moving beyond its early perception as a niche medium. Access for select SXSW badge holders further integrates the audio world with the diverse mix of global professionals, creatives, and innovators who flock to Austin each March.

“The Podcast Awards have become a defining moment for the audio community at SXSW, and we’re proud to continue building that momentum with iHeartMedia in 2026,” said Peter Lewis, Chief Commercial Officer at SXSW. “Bringing this event back to ACL Live at the Moody Theater reflects how deeply podcasting is embedded in the cultural conversation at SXSW, and our commitment to creating meaningful stages for the creators shaping where audio goes next.”

This collaboration leverages the cultural capital of SXSW to amplify the awards' prestige while providing the festival with a flagship event for the booming audio sector. It highlights a symbiotic relationship where the podcasting industry gains mainstream validation, and SXSW reinforces its status as a launchpad for what's next in media and technology.

Celebrating the Architects of Audio

Beyond the category nominees, the 2026 awards will spotlight three individuals whose work has fundamentally shaped the audio landscape. These Icon Awards honor the pioneers and innovators who have pushed the medium's boundaries. Jay Shetty, the host of “On Purpose,” will receive the Social Impact Award. A former monk turned global bestselling author and motivational speaker, Shetty has leveraged his platform to foster conversations around mental health and mindfulness, turning his podcast into a vital resource for millions seeking personal growth and turning self-reflection into action.

The Audible Audio Pioneer Award will be presented to Terry Gross, the legendary host of NPR’s “Fresh Air.” For decades, Gross has redefined the art of the interview. Her combination of rigorous preparation, deep curiosity, and profound empathy has set an industry gold standard, influencing generations of hosts and producers. Her work has elevated audio journalism from a passive medium to an intimate and revealing art form, making her a foundational figure in the history of quality audio content.

Completing the trio of honorees is Hrishikesh Hirway, who will receive the Innovator Award. As the creator of “Song Exploder,” Hirway developed a visionary format that deconstructs the creative process, inviting artists to take listeners inside their songs piece by piece. This innovative approach to storytelling has not only redefined how audiences experience music but has also inspired a new genre of podcasts focused on creative dissection. Hirway's work exemplifies the unique narrative possibilities of the audio medium.

Fan Power and Industry Giants Vie for Top Honors

The night's most anticipated award, Podcast of the Year, remains a democratic affair, with the winner decided by a public fan vote running from January 14 to February 22. The 2026 nominees represent a telling cross-section of the modern podcasting ecosystem. The list includes journalistic powerhouses like “The Daily” from The New York Times, celebrity-driven comedy shows such as “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” and pop culture phenomena like “Call Her Daddy” and “Giggly Squad.”

The slate also features critically acclaimed narrative storytelling in Gimlet’s “Heavyweight,” historical deep dives with “The Rest Is History,” and chart-topping independent comedy from “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von.” Rounding out the top ten are the influential radio-show-turned-podcast “The Breakfast Club,” self-help giant “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” and Pablo Torre's investigative sports show, “Pablo Torre Finds Out.” This diverse lineup illustrates a listener base with an eclectic palate, hungry for everything from hard-hitting news and intellectual discussion to unfiltered comedy and personal connection.

Across other categories, the nominees reflect a vibrant and competitive industry. Last year’s Best Sports winner “New Heights” is nominated again, facing stiff competition from mainstays like “Pardon My Take.” The recognition of emerging shows like Ego Nwodim’s own “Thanks Dad” and “Khloé in Wonder Land” points to the industry’s capacity for constant renewal and the power of established personalities to launch new audio ventures.

An Industry in Full Roar

The awards ceremony serves as a glamorous capstone for an industry experiencing unprecedented growth. iHeartMedia’s own financial reports paint a vivid picture, with podcasting revenue surging 28% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, a trend CEO Bob Pittman described as “roaring.” This growth is fueled by a rapidly expanding listener base, with recent studies showing nearly half of the U.S. population now listens to podcasts monthly. Advertisers are following the audience, pouring billions into a market that offers deep engagement and niche targeting.

“Podcasting continues to be one of the most vibrant and fast-growing mediums in media today,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “We are thrilled to return to Austin and ACL Live at the Moody Theater to celebrate the storytellers who are pushing the boundaries of audio.”

The landscape is also evolving technically, with video podcasts on platforms like YouTube capturing an ever-larger share of consumption. This multi-platform reality is reflected in the strategies of major publishers, who increasingly view podcasts not just as audio files but as brands that exist across multiple channels. As the industry's biggest names and brightest new stars gather in Austin this March, the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards will not only honor the best of the past year but also offer a glimpse into the creative and commercial future of audio.