2021 PROGRAMME
@pubpodawards / #pubpodawards 1
The Publisher Podcast Awards is brought to you by:
Media Voices is a weekly look at all the news and views from across the media world, featuring leading figures from media and publishing businesses. The team behind the podcast take a common sense approach to media analysis, from the practices of journalism to deep dives into publisher business models. - New episodes every Monday -
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Contents 5 Welcome from the Publisher Podcast Awards team 6 Programme 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 28
Best Commercial Strategy Best Podcast Launch Best B2B Podcast, Best Coronavirus Podcast Best Entertainment Podcast Best Food & Drink Podcast, Best Health & Wellbeing Podcast Best Hobbies & Special Interest Podcast Best Lifestyle Podcast, Best Political Podcast Best Limited Series Best News Podcast Best Local & Community Podcast, Best Science & Medical Podcast Best Sponsored Podcast Best Sport Podcast Best Technology Podcast, Publisher Podcast of the Year 2021
33 Publisher Podcast Hero of the Year 35 Meet our 2021 judges
Silver sponsors:
Bronze sponsor:
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Welcome On March 4th 2020, we were joined by 250 of you in a glamorous cabaret club in London to celebrate the first year of the Publisher Podcast Awards. Little did we anticipate how quickly the world was about to change. A year later, and the UK is slowly starting to emerge from a devastating cycle of lockdowns. But that hasn’t stopped publishers from continuing their podcasting efforts, and even carving out new opportunities with podcast launches. We made the decision back in October to hold these awards virtually, We can’t replicate the buzz of a real life event; the company, the mac n’ cheese or a room full of applause. Instead, we’ll be celebrating from our homes. But that doesn’t make winning an award this year any less of an achievement. In fact, the stories we’ve read in the entries of spinning up podcasts remotely, recording under duvets and scrambling for the last good podcast mics on Amazon have highlighted just how brilliantly you’ve all risen to the challenge. To be able to put out podcasts of this quality while spread around the world and working in some challenging conditions is just incredible. So whether you win an award tonight or not, take a moment to reflect on what an achievement it is to be creating amazing content day after day, and to have been shortlisted alongside some of the best publishers in the world. We are hugely indebted to our judges, who have given up many hours to listen to and mark these podcasts. We don’t envy the task they’ve had, and the three of us personally appreciate the enthusiasm with which all agreed to take on this task. Thanks are also due to our sponsors; Audion, Podcast Radio, PodInstall and Audry. Their support helps keep the awards going. You can learn more about them in these pages, or over on the Publisher Podcast Awards website. Until next year, where we hope to be able to welcome you inperson to not just the Awards, but the Publisher Podcast Summit as well, where you can learn from the best in the business. Stay tuned until the end of the ceremony for more details! The Publisher Podcast Awards team Esther Kezia Thorpe, Chris Sutcliffe and Peter Houston
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Programme 16.30
Welcome The Media Voices Podcast team
16.35
State of the Industry 2021
16.40
The Publisher Podcast Awards 2021: BEST B2B PODCAST BEST CORONAVIRUS PODCAST BEST ENTERTAINMENT PODCAST BEST FOOD & DRINK PODCAST BEST HEALTH & WELLBEING PODCAST BEST HOBBIES & SPECIAL INTEREST PODCAST BEST LIFESTYLE PODCAST BEST LIMITED SERIES BEST LOCAL & COMMUNITY PODCAST BEST NEWS PODCAST BEST POLITICAL PODCAST BEST SCIENCE & MEDICAL PODCAST BEST SPONSORED PODCAST BEST SPORT PODCAST BEST TECHNOLOGY PODCAST
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A message from our sponsors BEST COMMERCIAL STRATEGY BEST PODCAST LAUNCH PUBLISHER PODCAST HERO OF THE YEAR PUBLISHER PODCAST OF THE YEAR 2021 Closing thanks and announcements
17.30
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Virtual afterparty
Follow along on Twitter and tag us @pubpodawards / #pubpodawards
Best Commercial Strategy As podcasting matures as a medium, its importance to publisher’s revenue streams will be crucial for future sustainability. Judges looked for evidence of solid monetisation efforts, and a clear strategy for the future.
Airfinance Journal Week in Review
Energy Voice Out Loud
Euromoney Plc
Energy Voice, DC Thomson Media
Engineering Matters
Finger on the Pulse
Reby Media National Health Executive
Public Sector Voices
Scran
Public Sector Executive
Laudable, JPI Media
The Dirt
Track Talk
Grow Your Own, DC Thomson Media
Rail Technology Magazine
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Best Podcast Launch Despite the exceptional circumstances of 2020, publishers still innovated and launched some brilliant podcasts. This award celebrates the best of the year.
Author In Your Classroom
Finger on the Pulse
Plazoom, DC Thomson Media
National Health Executive
In Machines We Trust
New Scientist Weekly
MIT Technology Review
New Scientist
Stories of our times
Planet Normal
Wireless Studios, The Times and Sunday Times
The Telegraph
The Car Throttle Podcast
The Dirt
Dennis Publishing
Grow Your Own, DC Thomson Media
The Upgrade SUITCASE Magazine
Sponsored by: Podcast Radio Acting as a constant source of podcast inspiration 24 hours a day, Podcast Radio is available on the airwaves across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow & Surrey. Podcast Radio helps listeners discover new podcasts, whilst showcasing content from podcast creators, using digital broadcasting & a radio-like experience online, including app, website and smartspeakers.
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www.thepodcastradio.co.uk
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Best B2B Podcast This award is for podcasts produced for a business audience. Judges looked for professional production, a clear understanding of the target audience, and subject matter expertise proving the podcast’s value.
The Media Navigators
The Product Experience
The World Media Group
Mind the Product
Airfinance Journal Week in Review
Engineering Matters
Euromoney Plc
Reby Media
Journalism.co.uk podcast
The Glossy Podcast
Journalism.co.uk
Digiday Media
The Global Franchise Podcast
The IT Pro Podcast
Global Franchise, DC Thomson Media
Dennis Publishing
Energy Voice Out Loud Energy Voice, DC Thomson Media
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Best Coronavirus Podcast Whether it’s a dedicated series or whole new podcast, this award is for podcasts which addressed coronavirus in some way for the publisher’s audience. Judges looked for a clear purpose and the highest editorial standards in communicating through the crisis.
Alone Together - A Coronvirus Podcast
Coronavirus: The Latest
Laudable
The Telegraph
Care Home Management magazine podcast
Engineering Matters Reby Media
S&A Publishing
The Big Miss You
The Nature Podcast
The Big Issue Springer Nature
The Impact Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
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Best Entertainment Podcast This award celebrates the best in entertainment podcasting, from film reviews to celebrity news. Judges looked for high production values, strong storytelling, and the ability to entertain no matter what the topic.
Author In Your Classroom DC Thomson Media
Biscuits & Jam Meredith Corporation
Beatles City Liverpool Echo, Reach Plc
Pathfinders Podcast 99 Percent Lifestyle
The Penguin Podcast Penguin Random House
Supported by: Fourth Estate Creative Fourth Estate is a content creation company with a simple philosophy: Content with substance, in any medium, is the most powerful way to communicate.
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www.fourthestatecreative.com
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www.contentbridge.co.uk The path to better creative
Content Bridge is a service for publishers offered by Fourth Estate Creative, the Freelance Fellowship and Muve Media & Marketing, working in collaboration.
WRITING | EDITING | DESIGN | PRINT | DISTRIBUTION | VIDEO | AUDIO | WEB | DIGITAL | SEO | SOCIAL | EMAIL | MARKETING | SALES | EVENTS
We build your dedicated team, manage your content project and deliver on time and on target. Whether you want to scale up, expand into new territory, or just simplify your outsourcing, Content Bridge is an invaluable extension to any publishing business.
Creative roadblock? Get over it
Whatever your obstacle, Content Bridge will carry you through with creative and promotion that slots seamlessly into your publishing workflow.
Best Food & Drink Podcast Food podcasts are incredibly popular with audiences looking to improve their cooking skills or food knowledge. Judges looked for a unique proposition and flawless execution in both audio quality and subject matter expertise to make a stand out podcast.
olive magazine podcast
Scran JPI Media, Laudable
Immediate Media
The Food Programme BBC Radio 4
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Best Health & Wellbeing Podcast Health - both physical and mental - has never been a more important topic of conversation. Judges looked for a clear understanding of audience and sensitive handling of subject matter packaged up in a high quality audio product.
Bump, Baby and Beyond Emma’s Diary
Mad World The Telegraph
Going for Goal Women’s Health, Hearst UK
The ECHO’s Menopod Liverpool Echo, Laudable
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Best Hobbies & Special Interest Podcast This award celebrates podcasts for specific interests and hobbies, from entertaining a niche audience to bringing a specialist topic to a wider readership. Judges looked for a clear identification of the target audience, and subject matter expertise.
Factor Two
The Dirt
UKClimbing
Grow Your Own, DC Thomson Media
Radio Astronomy
The Week in Art
BBC Sky at Night Magazine, Immediate Media
The Art Newspaper
Big Brains
Reasonably Speaking
University of Chicago News
The Bunkered Golf Podcast Bunkered, DC Thomson Media
The American Law Institute
The Plodcast BBC Countryfile Magazine, Immediate Media
Supported by: The International Magazine Centre The International Magazine Centre is a network for magazine publishers, set up to strengthen the industry. Globally unique, the Centre will connect international publishers, sharing expertise, creating jobs, supporting internationalisation, driving investment, attracting and nurturing talent, inspiring consumers and celebrating the wonderful world of magazines.
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www.internationalmagazinecentre.com
WANT TO CONNECT WITH A FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE MAGAZINE COMMUNITY?
We provide engaging online and in-person events, inspirational training for all shapes and sizes of magazine business, mentoring with other publishers and more.
FIND OUT MORE AT INTERNATIONALMAGAZINECENTRE.COM 17
Best Lifestyle Podcast This award is for podcasts focused on helping listeners live their best lives, whether through careers, finances, hobbies or other interests. Judges looked for a strong sense of purpose, and a clear strategy for attracting an audience.
We Are Family
Bump, Baby and Beyond
Meredith Corporation Emma’s Diary
Real Fix
The Dirt
SWNS
Grow Your Own, DC Thomson Media
Who Cares Wins with Lily Cole
The Upgrade SUITCASE Magazine
Penguin Random House
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Best Political Podcast In a year which has seen the most extraordinary political shifts across the world, audiences are turning to podcasts to make sense of politics. Judges looked for a strong unique selling point, and careful crafting to meet the information needs of listeners.
Public Sector Voices
The North Poll
Public Sector Executive
Manchester Evening News, Laudable
The New European Podcast
The Stooshie DC Thomson Media
Archant
The New Statesman Podcast The New Statesman
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Best Limited Series Podcast series are being used by publishers to tackle punchy topics with a clear start and end point. Judges looked for exceptional storytelling, and flawless audio production.
Crossfire
Floodlines
The Telegraph
The Atlantic
In Machines We Trust
My mother’s murder
MIT Technology Review
Tortoise Media
The Anthill
The Brink
The Conversation
Liverpool Echo, Laudable
Unfair
Unfinished Shoebury’s Lost Boys
Digiday Media
Archant
Weekend Bigots JPI Media, Laudable
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contact@podinstall.com
What if the most powerful listening app is... a web browser? Podinstall empowers publishers to: Grow listenership Within your own ecosystem And boost revenue
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Get in touch! contact@podinstall.com
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Best News Podcast This award is for a publisher using the podcasting format to bring audiences the news in innovative ways. Judges looked for a strong reflection of the brand, and bringing something new to the format or angle of news and current affairs coverage.
Planet Normal
The Stooshie
The Telegraph
DC Thomson Media
The Week Unwrapped
World Review The New Statesman
Dennis Publishing
Supported by: PressPad PressPad is an award-winning social enterprise that is fighting to lower the financial barrier of entry into journalism. We link young people with work experience in London with experienced journalists who can offer a spare room plus great advice. We also add them to our intern networks so they can learn from each other. It’s mentoring, networking and accommodation all rolled into one.
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www.presspad.co.uk
#DiversifyTheMedia
@PressPadUK www.presspad.co.uk 23
Best Local & Community Podcast From serving information needs or entertaining a localised group, this award is for podcasts focused around a specific community or area. Judges looked for evidence of strong local connections, and a clear sense of purpose for the podcast.
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Liminal
Talking Australia
Liverpool Echo, Laudable
Australian Geographic
Northern Goal
The Door County Pulse Podcast
The Press & Journal and Evening Express, DC Thomson Media
The Peninsula Pulse
The Courier Talking Football
The Edinburgh Briefing
The Courier, DC Thomson Media
JPI Media, Laudable
Twa Teams, One Street
The North in Numbers
The Evening Telegraph, DC Thomson Media
Manchester Evening News, Laudable
Best Science & Medical Podcast Whether suitable for the general public or professionals, this award is for podcasts diving deep into science and medical topics. Judges looked for subject matter expertise presented in a way that is suitable for the audience.
All Things Photonics
Curiosity Daily
Laurin Publishing
Discovery, Inc.
eLife podcast
New Scientist Weekly
eLife Sciences Publications
New Scientist
Finger on the Pulse
Sharp Scratch
National Health Executive, Cognitive Publishing
The BMJ
Stereo Chemistry
The Nature Podcast
American Chemical Society
Springer Nature
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Best Sponsored Podcast This category is for whole podcasts or one-off episodes sponsored by or developed alongside a brand. Judges looked for evidence of a strong commercial proposition, and a carefully executed product which doesn’t compromise the publisher’s core values.
Energy Voice Out Loud
Engineering Matters
Energy Voice, DC Thomson Media
Reby Media
olive magazine podcast
Small Steps, Big Impact
Immediate Media
Mail Metro Media
The Dirt
The Upgrade
Grow Your Own, DC Thomson Media
SUITCASE Group
Sponsored by: Audion Founded in 2018, Audion is an adtech company that develops proprietary technology to automate, customize and measure digital audio advertising. Our products are used by leading medias and podcasters on behalf of the world’s most iconic brands.
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www.audi-on.com
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Best Sport Podcast It’s been a challenging year for sport, but that hasn’t stopped publishers innovating with their podcasts. Judges looked for solid subject matter expertise from presenters, and demonstrable engagement from listeners.
B/R Football Ranks
Deeper Blue Podcast
Bleacher Report Deeper Blue
Twa Teams, One Street
The Bunkered Golf Podcast
The Evening Telegraph, DC Thomson
Bunkered, DC Thomson
The Pinkun.com Norwich City Podcast
Kings of Anglia Archant Suffolk
Archant
Supported by: What’s New in Publishing Founded in 2008, What’s New In Publishing provides a single destination for independent publishing businesses looking for news, advice and education across a wide range of publishing subjects. We cover developments in digital publishing, magazines, and newspapers, focusing on the issues confronting the industry at a time of profound disruption and opportunity, offering practical and useful advice from “What’s New?” to “What Next?”
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www.whatsnewinpublishing.com
NEWS - ANALYSIS - INSIGHT - REPORTS - EVENTS
Sign up to our weekly newsletter at:
whatsnewinpublishing.com
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Best Technology Podcast This award is for publishers using podcasting as a way to bring technology news, views and analysis to their audience, from updates to deep dives. Judges looked for a podcast that both captured attention and reflected the publisher’s wider technology coverage, either for a niche technical audience or a wider, more accessible listenership.
The IT Pro Podcast
Track Talk
Dennis Publishing
Rail Technology Magazine, Cognitive Publishing
All Things Photonics
Engineering Matters
Laurin Publishing Reby Media
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In Machines We Trust
The PC Pro Podcast
MIT Technology Review
Dennis Publishing
Publisher Podcast Of The Year 2021 220+ entries, 114 shortlisted podcasts and 18 category winners...but this is the ultimate acolade. The Media Voices team have chosen an overall winner from the category winners to take home the ‘Publisher Podcast Of The Year 2021’ prize. This was exceptionally difficult due to the high standard of entries and winners. We looked for a podcast which was a strong reflection of the publisher’s brand, had flawless production, a strong growth strategy, and a commercial plan which would see the podcast add real value to a publisher’s business. But that’s not all. We wanted to find a podcast which really entertained us, made us feel part of the club, and which left us waiting impatiently for the next episode. Many congratulations to the winning podcast!
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Publisher Podcast Hero Of The Year To secure podcasting as a successful part of a publisher’s strategy, there are often key people within the business driving best practice, seeking inspiration, and looking for new opportunities with the format. This special award celebrates an individual within the industry who has gone above and beyond to demonstrate the value of podcasting to their organisation.
Velo Mitrovich, Reby Media “Velo was diagnosed with an aggressive oral cancer in May 2019. This would be devastating to anyone, but was especially difficult for the host and writer of a popular podcast called Meat Talk. The road to recovery was long, but Velo was determined to retain his speech and return to the beautiful storytelling he brings to Meat Talk. His passion and determination has inspired everyone at Reby Media to appreciate and persevere in making the best possible podcasts.”
Laura Mueller, Euromoney “We’re nominating Laura for conceiving, establishing, and continuing to produce and host Airfinance Journal’s weekly podcast during a challenging year, and all while continuing to perform her day-to-day overall management and P&L responsibilities, which includes a staff complement of some 35 employees. She continues her tireless efforts to program, host and produce the podcast each week, and find new ways of promoting it, all in support of Airfinance Journal’s overall revenue objectives.”
Rowan Hooper, New Scientist “New Scientist Weekly only launched in January 2020, and its success in the charts is due to Rowan’s ongoing commitment to provide compelling and engaging features to the audience. He puts together a show that competes with the best, many of which have much larger teams, and yet the quality is incredible. Rowan is always thinking of new ways to adapt and improve the show, and because he’s passionate, he’s a delight to work with.”
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Theodora Louloudis, The Telegraph “Theodora is an exceptional presenter, script-writer, producer and editor, with an ear for both the sound and the content of her shows. She leads The Telegraph’s podcast team, shaping strategy and integrating the audio team more closely into the wider newsroom. While it’s a highly sought-after job, resources are limited. Despite this she has spearheaded the launch of five new podcasts over a particularly challenging year. She recognises that the work doesn’t stop as soon as audio is exported; making your podcast discoverable is as important as creating fantastic content.”
Jack Meegan-Vickers, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime “Jack has been the driving force behind the launch of 5 new podcasts on the topic of organized crime. His work has increased the visibility of organized crime across the world, creating a space for practical discussion about what can be done to combat criminal networks. Jack has taken on and researched in-depth topics. His ability to break down compacted policies and interview expert guests has made the podcasts accessible to a wider audience outside of the academic sphere. This is so important for instigating change and making the world a safer place.”
Fleur Rollet-Manus, SUITCASE Group “During an incredibly difficult time for our business and the travel industry as a whole, Fleur single-handedly created, developed and launched our first ever podcast series with no previous experience. She proactively (and remotely) taught herself all the skills, techniques and aspects of recording and editing. Fleur has taken the podcast from being a bullet point on our product road map and established it as a key pillar within our business. She has also successfully attracted a new audience for SUITCASE and generated incremental revenue which will go back to the business to support production and continue growth.”
Ollie Guillou, Freelance contractor / New Scientist “When New Scientist launched its podcast in January 2020, Ollie gave podcast training and advice to a large team of New Scientist journalists to help everyone get their head around entering the podcasting scene. Since then, Ollie has tirelessly searched for sponsorship, shared his knowledge in how to run and place ads, and has spent a lot of time coming up with unique methods to generate income from the show. He has played an integral part in our swift growth in audience numbers from the beginning.”
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Pierre Bienaimé, Digiday Media “As Digiday Media’s sole podcast producer, Pierre makes our entire output through this medium possible. He wears many hats to make planning, production, content and promotion possible for all of our existing and future podcast shows. Pierre has not only developed a unique, honest and seamless listening experience for our audience, but has also carved out a vision for even deeper coverage into less talked-about components of the industries we cover.”
Ailsa Cowen, Rail Technology Magazine “Ailsa has worked tenaciously to fully immerse herself in the industry over the past 12 months, and it’s paid off. Coming into the industry as a newbie, she was aware she needed to create a podcast that was accessible, interesting, and thought-provoking, where the listener heard from leaders and thinkers. I’m very proud of the way the podcast has grown over the past 12 months through Ailsa’s leadership and the part she has played in this evolution.”
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Meet our 2021 judges Marverine Cole
James Hewes
Award-winning Broadcaster and Beer Sommelier, UK
President & CEO at FIPP, UK
Laura Jenner
Uwern Jong
Product Director, New Statesman Media Group, UK
Editor in Chief, OutThere, UK
Janice Forsyth
Mark Stenberg
Co-Founder, The Big Light, UK
Journalist, Business Insider / Medialyte, US
Heather Parry
Chris Stone
Editorial Director, Extra Teeth, UK
Executive Producer, Audio & Video, New Statesman, UK
Dr Margaret Hughes
Daniel Bates
Senior Lecturer, University of the West of Scotland, UK
Freelance journalist and foreign correspondent, UK
Adriana Lacy
Damian Radcliffe
Senior Associate, Audience & Growth, Axios, US
Carolyn S. Chambers Professor in Journalism at University of Oregon, US
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Corinne Podger
Prashant Rao
Trainer & Consultant, Mobile Journalism, Australia
Global Editor, The Atlantic, UK
Michelle Manafy
Nic Newman
Editorial Director, Digital Content Next, US
Digital Media Strategist, UK
Alison Warner
Erica Anderson
Global Content Manager, Unilever & Senior Lecturer at University of Roehampton, UK
Executive Producer, New York Media/Vox Media, US
Nikki Simpson
Alison Gow
Director at the International Magazine Centre, UK
Publisher, Laudable (Reach plc), UK
Tim Headley
Sally Hampton
Marketing Director Client Marketing, The Economist, UK
Consumer Magazines Publisher, DC Thomson Media, UK
Madhav Chinnappa
Arion McNicoll
Director of News Ecosystem Development, Google, UK
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Journalist and Editor, UK
Gary Rayneau
Owen Meredith
Co-Founder, Project 23, UK
CEO, PPA, UK
Rachel Arthur
Mary Hogarth
Founder, boom saloon, UK
Managing Director, The Magazine Expert, UK
Jeremy Walters
Olivia Crellin
Editor, What’s New in Publishing, UK
Journalist & Founder, PressPad, UK
Thomas Baekdal
Tina Lee
Publisher and media analyst, Denmark
Head of Ambassador Program, Hostwriter, Germany
Nick Flood
Stephen Lepitak
Global Commercial Operations Director, Future, UK
Outgoing Executive Editor, The Drum, UK
Laura Kelly Dunlop
Duncan Siegle
Digital Producer, Big Issue, UK
Portfolio Director, Mash Media, UK
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Richard Reeves
Bo Sacks
Managing Director, Association for Online Publishers (AOP), UK
Director, Precision Media Group, ‘Heard on the Web’ newsletter, US
Julia Raphaely
Casimir Stone
CEO, Paradigm Connect, South Africa
Content Strategist, writer & producer, US
Laura Rowe
Oliver Guillou
Content Marketing Lead, Ocado
Owner, OG Podcasts, UK
Roy C. Rowlands
Christopher Phin
Director, Cognitive Publishing, UK
Head of Podcasts, DC Thomson Media, UK
Fergus Gregory Director, Collingwood Advisory, UK
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Coming in 2022*...
Many congratulations to all the winners and nominees from the Media Voices team! Entries for 2022 will open in September. Sign up to our mailing list on the website to be notified about new categories, closing dates, entry guidance and more. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Awards in-person.
www.publisherpodcastawards.com *Covid permitting!
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