The 86th Annual Peabody Awards nominations highlight how audio storytelling is no longer a niche format—it is a driving force shaping public discourse worldwide.
From deep investigative series to emotionally resonant human stories, this year’s nominees underscore podcasting’s evolution into one of the most impactful mediums in modern journalism. As audiences turn to immersive audio for nuanced perspectives, the Peabody Awards spotlight the creators pushing boundaries and redefining storytelling standards.
Podcasting Takes Center Stage in Prestigious Awards
The latest nominations in the Radio/Podcast category reflect a diverse and powerful mix of content creators, production houses, and themes. Selected from over 1,000 entries spanning television, digital media, and podcasts, these projects represent the very best of storytelling released in 2025.
Among the standout nominees are:
- Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
- Divine Intervention
- This American Life
- Scam Inc
- A Tiny Plot
- When We All Get to Heaven
Each of these projects brings a unique lens to critical global issues, combining investigative rigor with compelling narrative techniques.
A New Era of Investigative Audio Journalism
A noticeable trend in this year’s nominations is the dominance of investigative and documentary-style storytelling. Podcasts are increasingly tackling complex, real-world issues with depth traditionally associated with long-form journalism.
Revisiting Historical Events with Modern Insight
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer dives deep into the aftermath of the 2001 anthrax attacks, offering fresh perspectives on one of the most chilling bio-terror incidents in U.S. history. By blending archival research with new reporting, the series exemplifies how podcasts can revisit history while uncovering untold narratives.
Exposing the Global Fraud Economy
Another standout, Scam Inc, produced by The Economist, investigates the vast and often invisible world of online fraud. With the global scam economy estimated to exceed $500 billion annually, the podcast sheds light on the scale and sophistication of digital crime networks.
Immigration and Justice Under the Microscope
The iconic This American Life earns recognition for its episode The Hand That Rocks the Gavel. This episode critically examines immigration court practices and raises questions about due process, particularly in cases involving ICE.
Storytelling That Amplifies Marginalized Voices
Beyond investigative journalism, several nominees stand out for their focus on social justice, cultural identity, and community resilience.
Faith, War, and Activism
Divine Intervention, produced in collaboration with iHeartMedia and Wonder Media Network, explores Catholic anti-war activism during the Vietnam War. The podcast connects historical movements with contemporary discussions around faith and political resistance.
Housing Crisis and Community Resistance
A Tiny Plot tells the story of unhoused residents in Oakland who come together to build a supportive community while resisting eviction. The narrative humanizes the housing crisis and highlights grassroots activism.
The recognition of these podcasts reflects not only powerful storytelling but also the collaborative efforts behind the scenes.
Jenny Kaplan, Global Senior VP and Head of Content at Acast, praised the nomination of Divine Intervention:
