The British Podcast Awards has introduced a new Ambassador role, reshaping how winners will be judged this year.
The change replaces the traditional Chair of Judges position, with a group of Ambassadors now working alongside more than 200 judges from across the UK podcast industry.
Organisers say the move follows industry feedback and is designed to bring a broader range of perspectives into the judging process, while also giving influential voices a more active role in recognising talent.
Ambassadors will contribute to the reworked judging system and take part in selecting this year’s Editor’s Choice winners, marking a shift towards a more collective decision-making approach.
Among those appointed are Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan, hosts of Life After Prison, alongside Mia Thornton, who was named Rising Star at the awards last year.
Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan have built Life After Prison into a recognised podcast exploring experiences of life after release, drawing on their own backgrounds and conversations with guests including musicians and campaigners.
Their work has previously been recognised by the awards, including multiple nominations and wins, as well as contributing to the Prison Radio Association being named Best Network or Publisher last year.
Mia Thornton joins the programme following early success in podcasting and radio, including work with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
She has produced and hosted Instrumental: Black British Trailblazers, focusing on artists who have shaped UK music, and has also worked on projects with organisations including New Balance, Black Ballad and the NHS.
Zak Addae-Kodua says: “It’s a huge blessing to be chosen as a BPAs Ambassador. Having won previously, it’s a very prestigious ceremony and something that means a lot to me.
“To represent the BPAs and be part of someone else’s success as well is a huge privilege, so I’m very proud to be an ambassador and to represent a whole community of under-represented people who may otherwise be overlooked.”
Jules Rowan says: “Being asked to be ambassadors for the BPAs is such a huge honour. It’s an event I’ve admired and been part of over the past few years, and it represents the very best of the industry. To now be recognised in this way, while bringing voices and stories like ours into this space, feels so special. It really makes me reflect on this journey and how incredible it’s been.”
Mia Thornton says: “From winning the Rising Star award at last year’s BPAs to now being chosen as an Ambassador feels like a full-circle moment for me.
“I can’t wait to get started as an Ambassador and work alongside the BPAs. I’m especially excited to hear the voices and stories that are bringing new perspectives to the UK podcast scene.”
The Ambassador programme forms part of the awards’ tenth anniversary, as organisers look to evolve the event and reflect changes in the podcasting landscape.
This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony on 1 October at indigo at The O2 in London, bringing together podcast creators and industry figures from across the UK.
