Audible will become the headline sponsor of two Edinburgh Comedy Awards categories to strengthen its links with comedy and spoken word entertainment.
The company has agreed an initial three year sponsorship of the Best Comedy Show award and the Panel Prize, which recognises an individual or organisation judged to embody the spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
DLT Entertainment will continue its support of the awards through sponsorship of the Taffner Family Best Newcomer Award.
The Edinburgh Comedy Awards said the Fringe remains an important launchpad for comedians, with recent winners and nominees moving into television, streaming and podcast projects.
Among them are Amy Gledhill, Sam Campbell and Ayoade Bamgboye, who have all appeared in major productions following recognition at the awards.
Past winners include Stephen Fry, Steve Coogan, Sarah Millican, Omid Djalili, Eddie Izzard, Tim Minchin and Frank Skinner.
The awards also point to the wider impact of former winners and nominees across television, film and podcasting, including work on Pod Save the UK, Baby Reindeer, Taskmaster and This Way Up.
Nica Burns CBE, Director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, said: “The Edinburgh Comedy Awards are delighted to announce Audible as our new sponsor. It is clear to us that they are committed to live comedy and the pleasure that it brings to so many people.”
Lisa Higginson, Senior Director, Regional Content at Audible, said: “The Edinburgh Comedy Awards have launched the careers of some of Britain’s most beloved comedians, and we’re thrilled to support the next chapter of that legacy.”
At a launch event held at @sohoplace in London, the awards also revealed a new brand identity and website ahead of its 46th year.
The 2026 judging panel will be announced on 8 July. Judges will again include industry professionals alongside members of the public selected through an open application process.
