The Podcast Academy celebrate two new international awards at The Podcast Show London on May 21

The Podcast Academy, the leading professional organization dedicated to the podcasting community, announced today the introduction of two new international honors: the International Impact Award–which recognizes a podcast or individual based outside of the United States whose work has had a significant, positive effect on its listeners and the global podcasting; and the International Governor’s Award–which recognizes a podcast or individual based outside of the United States for their compelling and influential impact on the industry. The international awards will be handed out on May 21st at The Podcast Show London as part of TPA’s Awards for Excellence in Audio. Popularly known as The Ambies, they celebrate excellence in podcasting and elevate awareness and status of podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling and expression.

James Cridland, international radio and podcasting expert, editor of Podnews, and champion of audio innovation, will be the first recipient of the International Impact Award. In addition, Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur, author, and host of The Diary of a CEO, will receive the first-ever International Governor’s Award, also introduced this year.

“James Cridland has been a global voice for the podcast industry, tirelessly advocating for its growth, innovation, and sustainability,” said Christy Mirabal, chairperson of TPA. “As the first recipient of the International Impact Award, James exemplifies the global reach and influence of podcasting today. We are equally honored to celebrate Steven Bartlett, whose powerful storytelling and entrepreneurial spirit have redefined what a podcast can be. His work on The Diary of a CEO has resonated with a billion across the globe and elevated podcasting as a medium for insight, vulnerability, and meaningful dialogue.”

James Cridland is a radio futurologist, consultant, and the editor of Podnews, a daily podcast industry newsletter with a worldwide following. With a career spanning over 35 years, he has worked across radio and online media, including launching the world’s first streaming radio app at the UK’s Virgin Radio, and improving online sound quality at the BBC. Now living in Australia, his consultancy work has supported broadcasters and platforms globally, and he is a sought-after speaker at audio conferences around the world. A passionate advocate for open podcasting and technical innovation, Cridland has helped shape industry standards and foster best practices across the field.

Steven Bartlett is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, author, and media innovator. He is the creator and host of The Diary of a CEO, the second-biggest interview podcast in the world and the fastest-growing podcast globally. As the youngest-ever Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, he has redefined modern leadership and storytelling. Steven is the founder of FlightStory, a media and investment company with a portfolio that includes SpaceX, Huel, and Whoop, and the co-founder of Thirdweb, a software platform backed by Shopify and Mark Cuban. His bestselling book 33 Laws for Business and Life has broken UK records and has sold more than 1 million worldwide. With over 25 million followers across social media, Steven continues to shape the future of business and audio.

About the International Impact Award

Chosen by the Podcast Academy’s Board of Governors as a new iteration of the Awards for Excellence in Audio, better known as The Ambies, this honor recognizes a podcast or individual based outside of the United States whose work has had a significant, positive effect on its listeners and the global podcasting.

About the International Governor’s Award

Also chosen by the Podcast Academy’s Board of Governors as a new iteration of the Awards for Excellence in Audio, better known as The Ambies, this honor recognizes a podcast or individual based outside of the United States for their compelling and influential impact on the industry.

About The Podcast Academy

Founded in February 2020, The Podcast Academy is a not-for-profit professional membership organization that celebrates excellence in podcasting and elevates awareness of podcasts as an indispensable medium for entertainment, information, and creative expression. It values individual and organizational creators alike, of all backgrounds and means, and defines achievement through the values of quality, creativity, innovation, inclusion, and impact. The Podcast Academy provides community, professional development, and industry connections through inclusive, dynamic programming. For more information about The Podcast Academy, please visit www.thepodcastacademy.com and follow/like/subscribe on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Linkedin. Visit our donation page to support our mission.

Sponsor support for The Podcast Academy includes Wondery, The Hollywood Reporter, Audible, Dolby, Airwave, The Podcast Show, Castbox, Outfront Media, Twitch and NPM/NPR.