The Golden Lobes are returning this year, offering podcasters a low cost, accessible way to have their funniest moments recognised alongside shows of every size.
Created by the team behind Cheerful Earful, the comedy podcast festival, the awards focus on humour across the whole podcasting landscape, rather than limiting recognition to dedicated comedy shows or established names.
The organisers say the Golden Lobes are designed to remove barriers that often stop creators from entering awards and have an emphasis on enjoyment rather than lengthy paperwork or form filling.
The awards are open to podcasts of all genres, celebrating moments that made listeners laugh unexpectedly, whether that is a blooper in a true crime episode, a guest going off script, or a tangent that took on a life of its own.
Last year’s event brought together independent creators, national broadcasters, global platforms and first-time podcasters, with organisers positioning the awards as a level playing field where production scale does not outweigh creativity.
Following feedback from podcasters after the previous ceremony, the categories have been extended for 2026, with new awards recognising debut shows, international podcasts, behind the scenes contributors, and creators who have built strong communities beyond their audio releases.
Giles Gear, founder of Cheerful Earful, said: “Last year’s inaugural Lobes was astonishing, with over 380 entries spanning first-timers, indie favourites and household-name juggernauts. That melting pot of podcasters is what made it so special: accessible, inclusive, and proper knees-up awards night.”
In addition to trophies, winners and nominees will receive a range of prizes and discounts, with the total prize pool valued at more than £5,000, alongside memberships, subscriptions, and partner offers aimed at supporting creators beyond the awards night itself.
Entries for the Golden Lobes 2026 are now open, with full details available here.
