Podcast Nominees Lead 2026 BPG Awards Shortlist as Netflix, BBC and Radio Stars Dominate
The 2026 Broadcasting Press Guild (BPG) Awards shortlist has been unveiled — and this year’s nominations reflect the powerful evolution of podcasting, streaming drama, investigative documentaries and live radio.
Now in its 52nd year, the prestigious ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at The Barbican, London, celebrating outstanding UK-commissioned or produced content broadcast during 2025.
From star-led podcasts to gripping Netflix dramas and landmark BBC documentaries, the 2026 shortlist paints a vivid picture of what captivated audiences across television, streaming platforms and audio over the past year.
Podcast of the Year 2026: Star Power Meets Storytelling Excellence
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Podcasting continues to surge in influence — and this year’s Podcast of the Year nominees prove that celebrity hosting and high-quality production remain a winning combination.
Shortlisted contenders include:
Dish – Hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett
Ill-Advised by Bill Nighy
The Mishal Husain Show
Pride and Prejudice (Audible adaptation)
The History Podcast by BBC Sounds (for Half-Life)
The diversity of the shortlist highlights the expanding creative boundaries of UK podcasting — from literary adaptations to political interviews, historical deep-dives and intimate food-focused conversations.
Industry insiders say the podcast category has become one of the most competitive segments of the awards, reflecting rapid audience growth and increasing production investment across the sector.
Inside the 52nd Broadcasting Press Guild Awards
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The Broadcasting Press Guild Awards are uniquely voted for by UK media journalists, making them one of the most critically respected accolades in British broadcasting.
Key highlights:
Celebrating UK-commissioned or produced content
Covering television, streaming and audio
Judged by industry journalists and critics
Recognising work broadcast during 2025
Ceremony venue: Barbican Centre
Unlike viewer-voted awards, the BPG Awards are often viewed as a benchmark of editorial and creative excellence.
Audio Presenter of the Year: Radio’s Biggest Names Compete
The Audio Presenter of the Year category brings together some of the most recognisable voices in British broadcasting.
Nominees include:
Sara Cox (Radio 2)
Trevor Nelson (Radio 2)
Jamie Theakston (Heart Breakfast)
Anna Foster (Radio 4)
Sue Mitchell (Radio 4)
Sara Cox’s nomination follows her widely discussed Radio 2 marathon challenge in 2025 — a moment that blended endurance, entertainment and charitable spirit.
Meanwhile, Trevor Nelson’s enduring influence on British music broadcasting and Jamie Theakston’s breakfast radio dominance reinforce how traditional radio remains culturally powerful in the UK.
Television & Streaming Awards: Netflix and BBC Dominate
Best Single Drama or Mini-Series (1–4 Episodes)
The short-form drama category sees streaming giants and public broadcasters go head-to-head:
Adolescence (Netflix)
Brian and Maggie (C4)
Miss Austen (BBC1)
Toxic Town (Netflix)
Trespasses (C4)
Notably, Netflix leads this category with two high-impact dramas that sparked national conversation in 2025.
Best Drama Series (5+ Episodes)
Long-form storytelling delivered some of the year’s most talked-about moments:
Amadeus (Sky)
Blue Lights (BBC1)
Dept. Q (Netflix)
Riot Women (BBC1)
The Hack (ITV)
BBC1’s strong presence reflects its continued commitment to original scripted content amid growing competition from global platforms.
Best Single Documentary or Mini-Series
Documentary filmmaking remains a cornerstone of UK broadcasting:
Empire with David Olusoga (BBC2)
Girlbands Forever (BBC2)
Grenfell: Uncovered (Netflix)
Live Aid at 40: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took on the World (BBC2)
Louis Theroux, The Settlers (BBC2)
The inclusion of Grenfell: Uncovered underscores the ongoing importance of investigative storytelling in shaping public discourse.
Best Documentary Series (4+ Episodes)
Educating Yorkshire (2025) (C4)
Once Upon a Time in Space (BBC2)
Shifty (BBC iPlayer)
Simon Schama’s Story of Us (BBC2)
The Bombing of Pan Am 103 (BBC1)
These nominations highlight the appetite for both historical retrospectives and contemporary analysis.
Comedy and Entertainment: Audience Favourites Battle for Recognition
Best Comedy (Supported by TiVo)
Amandaland (BBC1)
Big Boys (C4)
Dreaming Whilst Black (BBC3)
How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) (BBC1)
Such Brave Girls (BBC3)
Comedy in 2025 proved fearless and diverse — blending satire, social commentary and character-driven humour.
Best Entertainment (Supported by TiVo)
Celebrity Traitors (BBC1)
LOL: Last One Laughing UK (Amazon)
Taskmaster (C4)
The Assembly (ITV)
Race Across the World (BBC1)
Reality competition formats remain dominant, with Taskmaster and Race Across the World maintaining loyal fanbases.
Acting Categories: A Star-Studded Lineup
Best Actress (Supported by Netflix)
Nominees include:
Aimee Lou Wood
Erin Doherty
Joanna Scanlan
Lucy Punch
Rosalie Craig
Best Actor (Supported by Netflix)
Malachi Kirby
Owen Cooper
Stephen Graham
Tom Cullen
Will Sharpe
Several actors earned nominations across multiple projects — a sign of both range and consistency.
Writers and Breakthrough Talent Spotlight
Best Writer
Adjani Salmon
Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson
Jack Thorne
Kat Sadler
Sally Wainwright
BPG Breakthrough Talent Award (Supported by Prime Video)
The 2026 shortlist demonstrates how traditional public service broadcasting coexists with global streaming platforms — each pushing creative standards higher.
As the industry gathers at the Barbican next month, all eyes will be on which titles convert nominations into wins. One thing is certain: British storytelling remains internationally influential.
