Political Podcast Awards 2025: Finalists Announced | Full List & Insights

The wait is over! The shortlist for the first-ever Political Podcast Awards 2025 has been revealed. Sponsored by Google and organized by iNHouse Communications, the awards recognize excellence in political podcasting across 11 categories. The winners will be unveiled at a star-studded event on January 29, 2025, in Westminster, hosted by renowned broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth.

The awards not only highlight the innovation within the podcasting landscape but also underscore the role of podcasts in transforming how audiences engage with political discourse.

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Who’s Judging the Political Podcast Awards?

An esteemed panel of judges has been assembled to evaluate the nominees. Chaired by Anne Alexander, Head of Politics at Good Morning Britain, the panel includes:

• Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons
• Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of Scottish Labour
• Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London
• Lord Ed Vaizey, former Minister
• Claire Reynolds, Downing Street Political Director
• Baroness Anne Jenkin, Founder of Women2Win
• Robert Colvile, CPS Director and Sunday Times columnist

Key Highlights of the Awards

• The Podcast of the Year Award, sponsored by Diageo, will feature all shortlisted podcasts as automatic nominees.
• The People’s Choice Award will be determined by public vote, opening in January 2025.

Katie Perrior, Chair of iNHouse Communications and founder of the awards, remarked:

“Political podcasts are revolutionizing how news is consumed. They showcase respectful debate and engaging journalism, meeting the growing appetite for meaningful discussions.”

The Finalists: A Closer Look at 2025’s Political Podcasting Elite

1. Best Newcomer

• Electoral Dysfunction (Sky News)
• Politics Weekly (The Guardian)
• The Daily T (The Daily Telegraph)

2. Comedy Moment of the Year

• Electoral Dysfunction (Sky News)
• For The Many (LBC)
• The Political Party with Matt Forde (Avalon)

3. International Podcast of the Year

• Americano (The Spectator)
• The News Agents (Global)
• The Rachman Review (The Financial Times)

4. Interview of the Year

• Newscast (BBC): Interview with Sir Keir Starmer
• Political Currency (Persephonica): Interview with Michael Gove
• The News Agents (Global): Interview with Eylon Levy

5. Most Original Format

• Politics at Jack and Sam’s (Sky News and Politico)
• Political Fourcast (Channel 4 News)
• Simple Politics (Stripped Media)

6. Presenter of the Year

• Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart – The Rest is Politics (Goalhanger)
• Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, Harriet Harman, and Jess Phillips – Electoral Dysfunction (Sky)
• Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg, Adam Fleming, and Paddy O’Connell – Newscast (BBC)
• Hannah Barnes – The New Statesman
• Jack Blanchard and Sam Coates – Politics at Jack and Sam’s (Sky News and Politico)

7. Producer of the Year

• Andrew Alexander – How to Win an Election (The Times)
• The Channel 4 News Team – Political Fourcast
• Laura Fitzpatrick – Sky News

8. Rising Star

• Cindy Yu – Chinese Whispers (The Spectator)
• Kiran Stacey – Politics Weekly (The Guardian)
• Sascha O’Sullivan – Westminster Insider (Politico)

9. Scoop of the Year

• Tortoise: Frank Hester and the Tory Northern Diamond story
• The News Agents: Paul Marshall story
• The Story (The Times): Chinese spies story

Why These Awards Matter

Political podcasts have carved a unique space in modern media, fostering nuanced discussions that inform and entertain. From in-depth interviews to lighthearted commentary, this year’s finalists exemplify the best of what the medium offers.

Innovation at Its Best

The inclusion of categories like Most Original Format and Rising Star highlights the evolution of storytelling and the platform’s dynamic nature.