NEW YORK, NY, AUGUST 17, 2026 - The Podcast Academy (TPA) announced today that submissions for the 2027 Ambies® will open today, Monday, August 17.

The 7th Annual Awards for Excellence in Audio, the Ambies celebrate outstanding achievement in podcasting, recognizing the creators, talent, and industry professionals whose work continues to shape and advance the medium. For 2027, the Ambies are expanding to recognize even more of the creativity and collaboration driving the podcast industry forward with a total of 35 unique categories.

The 2027 Ambies introduce Listener's Choice winners in two existing categories: Best Podcast Host (or Hosts) and Podcast of the Year. As in previous years, nominees in both categories will be selected by the Ambies Jury. Following the announcement of the nominees, public audiences will vote to determine the Listener's Choice winners, while members of The Podcast Academy will continue to vote for the Ambie winners.

Two new categories for the 2027 Ambies will be added under Show Recognition, recognizing excellence in music-focused podcasting and individual episodes.

Best Music Podcast honors podcasts that explore music, the artists who make it, and the culture that surrounds it. Whether through artist-driven conversations, journalism, or storytelling, eligible podcasts must feature music, artists, the music industry, or music culture as a primary focus and demonstrate elevated craft, impact, and originality.

Episode of the Year recognizes an exceptional individual podcast episode that represents outstanding achievement in journalism, storytelling, production, and creative execution. The award celebrates a single episode that stands apart through its impact, compelling narrative, originality, craft, and ability to engage and resonate with listeners.

"We're excited to expand The Ambies this year with new categories and fan involvement," said Christy Mirabal, Chair of The Podcast Academy. "Listener's Choice hands fans a ballot of their own to crown their favorite shows and hosts. By adding Best Music Podcast, we’re recognizing a corner of podcasting that's become an exciting world of its own, and Episode of the Year, because sometimes one episode is the whole reason someone falls in love with this medium."

For the first time, the Ambies will group advertising honors into their own recognition tier - Advertising Recognition - joining Show Recognition and Talent Recognition. The grouping brings together Best Ad Read and Best Branded Podcast alongside Podcast Advertiser of the Year, formerly the Podcast Advertiser Innovator Award.

SUBMISSION DETAILS
Submissions will be accepted across three periods, with early bird pricing available through Friday, September 4: $160 for TPA members and $210 for non-members. Submissions for the 2027 Ambies are now open. Additional information about dates, eligibility, categories, submission requirements, and deadlines will be available at Ambies.com. TPA Members get a discount on submissions. Join today! Members also vote on the 2027 winners once Nominees are announced in January, join TPA by January 15, 2027 to participate.

ABOUT THE AMBIES
The Ambies®, the Awards for Excellence in Audio, celebrate outstanding achievement in podcasting and elevate awareness and the status of podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling, and expression. Presented by The Podcast Academy, the Ambies recognize excellence across the podcast industry, celebrating the shows, talent, and professionals whose work continues to shape the medium.

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. The Podcast Academy provides community, professional development, and industry connections through inclusive, dynamic programming.

Press Assets:
The Ambies logo: here; The Ambies Instagram: @theambies

Press Contact:
Executive Director, Ami Thakkar, executive@thepodcastacademy.com