The Australian Podcast Awards (APAs) announced the country’s biggest podcast player, Acast, will be powering the Awards this year as its headline partner.

Joining Acast is Southern Cross Austero’s LiSTNR app who joins as a Gold Partner and the sponsor of the public vote category – The Listener’s Choice Award.

Acast and LiSTNR join a list of podcasting heavyweights supporting the 2021 APAs, including Spotify, iHeartPodcast Network Australia, Nova Entertainment Podcast Network, Podfollow, and Podnews.

The APAs has also announced its 2021 judging panel, which includes a list of well-known personalities, industry veterans and audiophiles who will together determine the best Australian podcasts of 2021.

News Corp’s National Entertainment Editor, Johnathan Moran, joins a series of media and entertainment heavyweights including the TODAY Show’s Entertainment Producer, Cosima Toni, Editor and podcast creator Melissa Mason, Head of Entertainment for The Project, Kristy-Lee Lorraway, Pedestrian Group’s Senior Entertainment Editor, Matt Galea, and pop culture writer Patrick Lenton.

The APAs independent judging panel also unites talent from the nation’s leading podcast production houses including: ABC Radio, Acast, ARN / iHeartRadio, Mushroom Group, Nova Entertainment, Piccolo Podcasts, SBS, SCA, SoundCartel, and Spotify.

Matt Deegan, Director at the Australian Podcast Awards, said:

“This year’s Australian Podcast Awards, powered by Acast, is shaping up to be the best yet. The judging panel is truly world class and the content we’re seeing is sure to spark debate, intrigue and even some laughs along the way. It’s an absolute delight to see such amazing content from Australian creators who continue to raise the bar year on year.”

Guy Scott-Wilson, Content Director, Acast Australia and New Zealand said:

“As a creator-first podcast company, Acast will always champion and celebrate the independent podcasting industry. In Australia and across the world, we power a thriving, profitable and sustainable open ecosystem, giving podcasters the freedom and tools to develop and grow valuable listener relationships, while making money from their craft. It’s this approach to podcasting that has seen us work with some of Australia’s favourite podcasters.”

“Our industry has been on a growth trajectory and we are firm believers that it’s the creators that are powering that growth. The quality and breadth of Australian podcast content is amongst the best in the world, so sponsoring the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the talent of our local creators and their contribution to the global podcasting community.”

Grant Tothill, General Manager for Digital Audio at Southern Cross Austereo, said:

“Podcasting in Australia continues to grow and is fast becoming a part of people’s everyday life. The creativity in audio treatments, concepts, and story-telling is advancing each year. With so many great creators and producers doing brilliant work, to be able to play a role in recognizing that by sponsoring the Australian Podcast Awards’ ‘Listeners’ Choice Award’, ‘Best Documentary’ and ‘Best Current Affairs’ Awards is an exciting opportunity for everyone at LiSTNR.”

The judging panel of industry experts will determine nominees from the provided category shortlists. Category winners will then be announced at a virtual event in November.