Golden Globes Dip into Podcasting with Caution

Key Takeaways:

• The Golden Globes has introduced a new category for best podcast, with six nominees announced for the inaugural award
• The nominees include a mix of news, advice, and celebrity interview podcasts, such as "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard" and "SmartLess"
• The nominations avoided politics and controversy by passing on popular podcasts with conservative or left-leaning views
• The award recognizes the quality, creativity, audience engagement, and impact of the podcast
• The introduction of the best podcast category marks a significant step in the recognition of podcasting as a major form of entertainment

Introduction to the Golden Globes’ Best Podcast Category
The Golden Globes has taken a significant step in recognizing the growing popularity of podcasting by introducing a new category for best podcast. The six nominees for the inaugural award were announced on Monday, and they represent a diverse range of topics and styles. The nominees include "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard," "Call Her Daddy," "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," "The Mel Robbins Podcast," "SmartLess," and "Up First" from NPR. These podcasts were chosen from a shortlist of 25 programs that were deemed eligible by the Globes.

The Nomination Process and Controversy
The nomination process for the best podcast category was not without controversy. The Globes’ voting body seemed to avoid nominating podcasts that were too political or controversial, such as "The Megyn Kelly Show," "The Tucker Carlson Show," and "The Joe Rogan Experience." This decision was likely made to avoid any potential backlash or controversy at the awards show. Ben Bogardus, a professor and chair of the journalism department at Quinnipiac University, noted that the Globes’ voting body may have wanted to avoid any controversy and instead focus on celebrating the best in entertainment.

Reaction to the Nominations
The reaction to the nominations was relatively light, with some criticism on social media that popular podcasts like "The Joe Rogan Experience" and "Pod Save America" were snubbed. However, there was no direct reaction from the hosts themselves. Ben Shapiro, who had launched a publicity campaign for his podcast, was notably absent from the list of nominees. Shapiro had secured massive billboard space in New York City’s Times Square and had made the rounds with industry publications to promote his podcast.

The Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the best podcast category, podcasts must have original content and must have released at least six episodes between January 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025. Each episode must have a minimum length of 30 minutes. The award recognizes the quality, creativity, audience engagement, and impact of the podcast. However, some podcast experts were left scratching their heads as to what constitutes a "best podcast." Is it the quality of production, consistency, or the stories being told? The Globes’ criteria were not clearly defined, leaving some to wonder about the methodology behind the nominations.

The Significance of the Best Podcast Category
The introduction of the best podcast category marks a significant step in the recognition of podcasting as a major form of entertainment. Karl Hughes, a 20-year podcasting veteran and CEO of The Podcast Consultant, noted that the Globes’ recognition of podcasting is a natural step as the industry matures and attracts more corporate dollars. Hughes hopes that the Globes’ spotlight will make podcasting more accessible to more people and open up the door for more individuals and businesses to use the medium to tell interesting stories.

The Growth of the Podcasting Industry
The podcasting industry has grown significantly over the past 25 years, moving beyond its origins in radio and giving hosts the freedom to create content that is unique and engaging. Ben Bogardus marveled at how the podcasting industry has come into its own as a type of communication that people consume, which can be on par with television, radio, streaming, internet videos, and social media. The introduction of the best podcast category at the Golden Globes is a testament to the growth and popularity of podcasting, and it will be interesting to see how the industry continues to evolve in the coming years.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of the best podcast category at the Golden Globes is a significant step in the recognition of podcasting as a major form of entertainment. The six nominees for the inaugural award represent a diverse range of topics and styles, and the award recognizes the quality, creativity, audience engagement, and impact of the podcast. While there was some controversy surrounding the nominations, the introduction of the best podcast category marks a significant step forward for the podcasting industry, and it will be interesting to see how the industry continues to evolve in the coming years.