46,688 Newsletter Subscribers
The Grand Finale - What the Winners Receive
Hi,
We've reached the end of our launch week! You know the benefits of entering and the judging process. Now, let's talk about the grand finale and the incredible prizes that await our winners.
When you win a Podcast Tonight Award, you don't just get a trophy; you get a year-long platform for growth.
Winners Receive:
The Official Podcast Tonight Award Plaque: A physical symbol of your excellence for your studio.
FREE Promotion for All of 2026: Featured across our newsletter, website, and social media for the whole of 2026.
The Prestigious Awards Report: We will compile and email a dedicated winner's report to all major podcast companies, networks, and sponsors, putting you directly in front of industry decision-makers & potential monetization opportunities.
The Ultimate Bragging Rights: The undisputed credibility of being a Podcast Tonight Award Winner.
This is your chance to define your podcast's legacy and open doors you never thought possible.
➡️ This is your moment. Don't just be a podcaster; be an award-winning podcaster.
[Nominate Your Podcast for the 2025/26 Awards Now!]
Thank you for joining us this week. We are so excited to see your entries and celebrate your success.
Podcast Nomination Of The Day
"Untested" is a true crime podcast from USA TODAY that follows cold case detective Annie Harrison's relentless quest to bring an alleged serial rapist to justice by utilizing DNA profiles from previously untested rape kits . The podcast, hosted by crime reporter Gina Barton, pulls listeners into Harrison's investigation as she tracks serial rapists across different states, highlighting how the offender slipped through the cracks of the system and terrorized women . A central theme of the series is the transformative power of testing backlogged rape kits in solving cold cases, while also acknowledging the uncertainty of the criminal justice system where a guilty verdict is never guaranteed . The podcast is rooted in investigative journalism and debuted its entire season in September 2025.
News UK launches Octave AI for automated audio advertising
News UK has launched Octave AI, an automated audio advertising platform designed to simplify and improve the creation of radio and podcast ads using artificial intelligence. Developed with AudioStack, Octave AI allows fast production of high-quality, broadcast-ready ads featuring AI-generated voices, music, and sound effects. The platform can dynamically personalise ads for different audiences and situations, using real-time data such as weather, location, or listener activity. Marks & Spencer and WPP Media are the first brands to use Octave AI, running a campaign with hyper-local messaging for a new store opening. Octave AI aims to make audio advertising more accessible for businesses of all sizes while ensuring that human creativity remains an important part of the process.
More News…
International Podcast Alliance Unites Audio Producers Around the World
The International Podcast Alliance (IPA) has been launched by PIA (France) and AudioUK (UK) to unite global professional podcast and audio organizations, aiming to share knowledge, promote best practices, and support industry growth. Founding members from Sweden, Quebec (Canada), Belgium, France, and the UK have joined the alliance, with the goal of addressing shared challenges like legal recognition and fair platform practices. The IPA will hold regular virtual meetings and yearly in-person gatherings, starting with its first official meeting on November 17th.
Gender Gaps and Challenges for Podcasters Revealed in New Survey
A new survey from The Podcast Host shows that 85% of independent podcasters aren’t making any money from their shows, with women facing more challenges like burnout, reaching goals, and monetization compared to men. Female podcasters are also more likely to see video podcasting as a barrier, with fewer women publishing full video episodes than men. The biggest threats to podcasting in the next three years are seen as increased competition, AI, and adapting to video expectations.
Headgum Lays Off 30 Percent of Staff Amid Podcast Industry Challenges
Headgum, a popular comedy podcast network, recently laid off about 30% of its staff due to tough conditions in the podcast industry. These layoffs included key leaders like the heads of video and marketing, and followed similar cuts in other podcast companies this year. The layoffs came as a shock to employees and were blamed on industry-wide problems and financial pressures, despite Headgum recently celebrating its 10th anniversary and ongoing growth.
Washable Sofas Becomes Top Podcast Advertiser with $7.4 Million Spent in September
Podcast ad spending hit a high in September, with the top 15 brands spending an estimated $71 million—a 30% jump from the previous month, according to Magellan AI. Washable Sofas became the top podcast advertiser for the first time, while brands like FanDuel, Toyota, and ParkWhiz made significant jumps in spending, especially in the sports category. The biggest "movers and shakers" included ParkWhiz and Google, with even more brands like Wells Fargo and Procter & Gamble making huge percentage increases in their podcast advertising budgets.
Podcast Tool
The AKG K72 over-ear, closed-back headphones deliver professional sound quality and critical listening accuracy at an accessible price, making them an ideal choice for podcasters and musicians. Equipped with 40mm drivers and an extended frequency response, they reveal subtle nuances in vocals and instruments while providing powerful, defined bass—ensuring your mix translates reliably across systems. The headphones’ effective closed-back design and innovative acoustic chamber prevent audio leakage and block external noise, creating an isolated, private workspace for recording or editing, and their low-impedance build offers broad compatibility with everything from studio interfaces to smartphones.
Podcast Of The Day
Party Starters
Party Starters returns for a second season as host Arielle Free invites a fresh lineup of celebrities and cultural icons—including drag legend Jodie Harsh, Radio 1’s Jordan North, and Love Island’s Amber Gill—to share wild stories from real-life events and imagine their ultimate fantasy parties. Each episode blends nostalgic tales of tour bus antics, underground club scenes, and red-carpet raves with creative celebrations dreamed up by the guests, all curated by Arielle in a vibrant, audio-driven party atmosphere. From queer clubbing evolution to northern house party vibes, the series delivers infectious energy and backstage access to the nights that define its stars.
Podcaster Essentials
Our Sponsors
Your All-in-One Creator Store
Monetize your podcast with your own landing page & products or services.
Secure Your Online Activity
You never know who is watching your online activity, trying to steal your identity or sensitive information, take action and make sure you’re protected with the best VPN on the planet.
Monetize Your Podcast
Effortless publishing for driven brands, you create, they distribute & you grow.
Visionary Voices Of Podcasting
Turning Rejection into a Marketing Empire
Terry O'Reilly is a celebrated advertising legend, bestselling author, and host of CBC’s award-winning podcast Under the Influence, which draws over a million listeners weekly with its sharp, humorous exploration of marketing and persuasion. After beginning his career with 61 rejections, he co-founded the renowned production company Pirate Radio & Television, earned three lifetime achievement awards, and directed stars like Alec Baldwin and Martin Short. Let’s listen to this interview on how he became Canada’s king of advertising.
Upcoming Podcast Events
Discover the latest trends and strategies in podcasting by attending these must-experience upcoming events—perfect for creators, brands, and industry professionals looking to elevate their audio game.
Oct 30, 2025
111 North Capitol Street Northeast Washington, DC 20002 United States
Podcast Tip Of The Day
A holiday special can be a wonderful way to connect with your audience through shared seasonal spirit, but it should always feel authentic to your show's core theme. If your podcast's theme is evergreen or serves a specific professional niche, a forced holiday special can feel pretend and date your content, reducing its shelf life. Before committing, ask: Does this genuinely serve my audience's interests, or am I just following a seasonal trend?
The key is to serve your listeners, not the calendar.
A Final Note
“Give yourself permission to rest this weekend—your creativity and your podcast will be better for it.”
