Australian Podcast Awards 2024 crowns Podcast of the Year

The ABC podcast 'Ladies, We Need To Talk' has officially been crowned Podcast Of The Year at this year’s Australian Podcast Awards, as part of an evening of celebration for the country’s podcast industry. 

The event, which was hosted by comedians Nath Valvo and Kate Langbroek on Thursday evening (21 November) at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, saw a range of luminaries from across the sector picking up trophies across a range of more than 30 categories, including multiple different genre-based awards as well as editorially-selected categories.

Comedy sensations Toni and Ryan was voted the winner of the Listeners’ Choice category, which is decided by public poll rather than judges’ decision, after winning Best Commercial Campaign for its partnership with Paramount+. Meanwhile, 'First Things First' was honored as this year’s Podcast Champion, thanks to its funny and insightful discussion of multiple topics through a First Nations lens. 

The Specialist and Spotlight categories—reserved for shows serving small and large audiences respectively—were this year won by Audible’s podcast 'House of Skulls', which also won Best History Podcast for its exploration of the University of Pennsylvania's Morton Cranial Collection, and the University of Melbourne’s 'The Masterclass', which also walked away with the Best Education category.

As well as picking up wins in the Climate and Factual categories, broadcaster SBS won Best Network or Publisher, while 'Ladies, We Need To Talk' also took the trophy for the Sex and Relationships category. 

The event was presented in partnership with ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia, as well as Campaign Boss and The Commons. 

Corey Layton, head of digital audio content for iHeart, remarked, “We’re thrilled to continue our support of the Australian Podcast Awards and celebrate the incredible talent and content produced for Australian listeners. Australia arguably produces some of the best podcasts in the world, and at iHeart, we’re committed to fostering and partnering with the best of the best.”

Haymarket Media (Campaign's parent company) acquired the Australian Podcast Awards in 2022 under its banner.