The 2026 Political Podcast Awards, sponsored by YouTube, will take place on January 28, 2026, in Westminster, with Anthony Scaramucci as keynote speaker. Hosted by Gyles Brandreth, the event celebrates the growing influence of political podcasts with 11 award categories.
Announced on September 5, 2025, by iNHouse Communications, the awards feature nine nomination categories, plus two special awards, including a new Student Podcast of the Year. Entries are open until October 15, judged by a panel led by Good Morning Britain’s Anne Alexander.
Former White House Communications Director and podcaster Anthony Scaramucci will deliver the keynote, emphasizing podcasts’ power to deliver “real takes, real voices.” He predicts a “YUGE” impact, reflecting the medium’s shift from traditional news.
Categories include Best Newcomer, Comedy Moment, Interview of the Year, Most Original Format, Presenter, Producer, Rising Star, Story of the Year, and Student Podcast. Last year’s winners, like The Rest is Politics and The News Agents, set a high bar with nearly 100 entries.
With Brits increasingly turning to podcasts for political news, the medium has transformed public engagement. The 2025 awards highlighted shows like Electoral Dysfunction and Political Currency, and 2026 expects even more diverse entries, including from UK students.
The 2026 awards, backed by Scaramucci’s star power, aim to surpass last year’s success, showcasing podcasts’ role in fostering debate. As entries pour in, the event will cement the medium’s influence in shaping global political discourse.
