About

The Story Behind the Awards

The NYC Podcast Awards were born from a simple observation: while podcasting has exploded globally, many exceptional creators—particularly from underrepresented communities—remain overlooked by traditional industry recognition.

Founded in 2025 by Silver Sound, an Emmy-winning production company based in Manhattan, we created these awards to bridge that gap. We believe New York City, as a global crossroads of culture and media, is uniquely positioned to celebrate the full spectrum of audio storytelling talent.

What Makes Us Different

We've structured our fees to ensure emerging creators can participate alongside established studios, with scholarships available for those who need support.

Our awards celebrate three pillars: CRAFT, CONTENT, and CREATOR. Through our CREATOR categories, we specifically honor excellence from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and international voices—ensuring diverse perspectives are central to our recognition.

In a country and world where the audio-only ecosystem needs strengthening, we proudly stand alongside conventions, contests and awards such as the Signal Awards, Ambies, our own Sonic Dash competition, Tribeca Audio, Audioflux, Resonate, ON AIR Fest, Podcast Movement, Audio Spice, and others. Together, we're being the change we want to see—creating spaces where audio creators can not only be recognized but truly thrive.

The LIBBY Trophy

Designed by artist Zach Shukan of Omega Darling, our trophy, the LIBBY, features a vintage microphone transformed into Lady Liberty—a symbol of both New York's creative spirit and podcasting's power to amplify voices seeking freedom of expression. Each cast trophy represents not just excellence, but the democratic ideals of accessible storytelling.

About Silver Sound

Silver Sound brings decades of audio excellence to the NYC Podcast Awards. Our work has premiered and won at Tribeca, and we've collaborated with companies like ESPN's 30 for 30, HBO, Netflix, The New York Times, Apple, Spotify, National Geographic, and The New Yorker on some of their most ambitious audio projects.