The Podcast Academy's Awards for Excellence in Audio, known as the Ambies, is set to return for its fourth edition on March 26. The ceremony will be hosted by Trixie Mattel, the winner of Season 3 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.' The event aims to recognize outstanding achievements in podcasting that contribute to the medium's unique and personal nature, as highlighted by The Podcast Academy (TPA).
This year's Ambies will feature 192 nominees competing across 27 categories. Winners will be determined by the votes of all TPA members. Notable figures such as Malcolm Gladwell, a New York Times best-selling author, and Ira Madison III, a cultural critic, writer, and host, will receive special honors at the ceremony. Gladwell will be presented with the Governors Award, recognizing his significant influence on the industry, while Madison III will be honored with the Impact Award for positively impacting listeners through his work.
Donald Albright, the chairperson of TPA, expressed excitement about recognizing Madison III and Gladwell for their contributions to the podcasting industry. He praised Madison III for his authentic voice and diverse content that amplifies underrepresented voices, while acknowledging Gladwell's innovative work that has left a lasting impact on the medium.
Established in February 2020, The Podcast Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating podcasting as an art form and supporting creators in enhancing their skills through community, professional development, and industry connections.
The Ambies ceremony will take place at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles and will be livestreamed on TPA's YouTube channel at 6:00 p.m. PT. For a complete list of the 2024 nominees, viewers can visit the TPA website.
Overall, the Ambies serve as a platform to honor excellence in podcasting and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry, further elevating the status of podcasts as a powerful medium for entertainment, information, and storytelling.