The Independent Podcast Awards are media partners for the Podcasting, Seriously Fund which offers reimbursement for award entrants, supporting 200+ independent audio producers every year.

The Fund aims to make audio awards and competitions more inclusive, elevate the work of creators who may not have yet achieved the recognition they deserve, and help create opportunities for underrepresented communities, independent producers and early-career aspirants.

LWC Studios, the Fund’s pro bono operator in the US, alongside AIR, Pacific Content, Acast, and Triton Digital as fund partners, launched The Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund to support independent BIPOC, Queer and Trans audio professionals in submitting their work to key media and journalism awards.

The Fund covers submission fees for producers, editors, and others. The Fund covers entry fees for high-quality work to podcast/media/journalism awards, accepting applications on a rolling, year-round basis. The Fund has also been extended to cover enrolment/registration fees for audio production training courses.

The Independent Podcast Awards were set up by whynow and Verbal Diorama, and seek to celebrate the truly independent talent of UK and Ireland based podcasters that don’t have the financial backing of brands to support them. There are 18 categories, including True Crime, Sport, Music and Film & TV, and an Overall Podcast of the Year will be chosen from the winners of each category.

Juleyka Lantigua Podcasting, Seriously Fund, said: “Media partners like the Independent Podcast Awards, go a long way in extending the work of the Fund and the door-opening effect it can have on our beloved podcast industry. It is such a pleasure to welcome them to the Fund,” Those interested in applying can submit their information here. Those interested in contributing to the Fund can donate via Patreon, AIR, and Buy Me a Coffee."

Nina Robinson UK Fund Ambassador and CEO of Soundtruism which is also a Fund media partner says: “The Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund continues to go from strength to strength in the UK, and it’s great to have the Independent Podcast Awards on board. For too long, accolades in the British audio industry have been selected and judged by people from largely similar, privileged, white backgrounds and unconscious bias and favouritism have played their part. This Fund is an important step in opening up the industry to allow greater recognition of talent, for those from underrepresented backgrounds.”

Emma Turner, Head of Events and Publicity at whynow said: “We’re delighted to be working with Juleyka and Nina to help those from underrepresented areas of the podcasting community to enter these awards. One of the major reasons for launching the Independent Podcast Awards was to shine a light on all the amazing talent out there that often doesn’t get recognition at other awards. By working together we’re moving closer to this goal, and making the awards more accessible to more people.”

To find out more about The Podcasting, Seriously Fund including eligibility criteria and how to apply go to: https://www.podcastingseriously.com/fund

The winners of the Independent Podcast Awards will be announced at an event in London in October and are open for entry now.

For more information contact Emma Turner on emma@whynow.co.uk

About LWC and Podcasting, Seriously
LWC Studios is an award-winning digital production studio founded in 2017 that seeks out storytellers working in digital audio and film. With its creative and business partners, the company produces podcasts, documentaries, films, and other types of original narrative-driven works with a social-justice vein. Podcasting, Seriously is the production company’s learning platform for podcasters and audio producers. The Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund was created with a mission to highlight work from underrepresented communities and bring diversity into the podcasting and audio space. LWCStudios.com

About whynow
whynow, founded in 2019 by Gabriel Jagger, is a digital magazine, podcast and production studio, fuelled by a passion for and belief in celebrating arts, music and culture, and the iconic and pioneering talent who are creating it. Find out more at whynowmedia.com

About Verbal Diorama
Verbal Diorama is a celebration of filmmaking. An independent film history podcast that goes into the making of movies, from conception to completion, their history and legacy, and why they remain so special to so many of us. Listen to all episodes at: https://www.verbaldiorama.com/ or in your podcast app of choice.