The Golden Globes’ decision to introduce a Best Podcast category in 2026 comes at a “real tipping point” for Australia’s media landscape.
Dome CEO Sophie Greiner told Mediaweek the introduction of this award is significant, not only for the millions of Australians tuning in every day, but also for the creators themselves.
“Just last month, Netflix announced a partnership with iHeartMedia to stream select top podcasts on the platform, including the Australian show Psychology of Your 20s,” she said.
“This is a clear signal that our local talent is a world-class export and is increasingly sitting alongside the most recognisable names in entertainment.”
Dome CEO Sophie Greiner
Data-led decision
We’re a nation of eavesdroppers, clearly.
More than 50% of Australians listen to podcasts each month. Advertising investment is also growing as brands increasingly favour host-led storytelling over mass broadcast models.
Greiner also pointed out the addition of podcasters featured on Australia’s 10 Most Powerful People in 2025 because of a “fundamental migration of trust happening right now.”
“Young people are turning to podcast hosts as a source of truth and authenticity,” she said.
“We use what we listen to as an identity anchor; it tells the world who we are and what we value.”
Greiner explained that dismissing the Prime Minister and opposition leader’s appearances on podcasts, such as the Gen-Z-focused It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield and Mark Bouris’ Straight Talk, ahead of the federal election as “pandering to influencers”, wrongly frames them as campaigns focused on personality over policy.
“The reality then, as now, is simple: podcasts are among the most powerful communication tools in modern media,” she said.
“So when a podcast host steps onto a global stage to accept an award alongside Hollywood’s most revered, I think it will be hard to accept any other reality.”
New category sparks debate
The new category, debuting at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on 11 January, recognises podcasting as a mainstream medium with cultural influence and commercial relevance.
It is the first major expansion since the box office and cinematic achievement category was introduced in 2023.
“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognise new forms of storytelling,” said Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne.
“Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations.”
The first-ever nominees were selected from among the 25 most popular podcasts deemed eligible, including both audio-only and video podcasts.
The six finalists for the inaugural award are Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Call Her Daddy, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Mel Robbins Podcast, SmartLess and Up First.
However, the shortlist has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether the voting body favoured celebrity-led shows over politics or conservative-leaning programs.
Quinnipiac University journalism department chair Ben Bogardus said the Golden Globes likely wanted to avoid controversy after years of scandal.
“They’re trying to bill themselves as an award show that is for the masses and non-controversial, celebrating the best in entertainment,” he previously told reporters.
“Having this political sideshow, I think they just wanted to avoid that.”