iHeartMedia Announces Host and Nominees for 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards at SXSW on March 16, 2026

Core Insights - iHeartMedia, the leading podcast publisher globally, announced the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards in partnership with SXSW, set to take place on March 16, 2026, at ACL Live in Austin, Texas [1][2] - The event will feature various podcast genres, with winners determined by industry leaders, while the Podcast of the Year will be fan-voted [2][3] - The awards will also honor individuals with three Icon Awards for significant contributions to podcasting, including Jay Shetty, Terry Gross, and Hrishikesh Hirway [2][3] Event Details - The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards will be held on March 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. CDT, and will be live-broadcasted on iHeartMedia Radio Stations and the iHeartRadio app [1] - The event will be open to select SXSW badge holders, emphasizing the integration of podcasting within the cultural conversation at SXSW [3] Nominees and Categories - Nominees for Podcast of the Year include "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," "The Breakfast Club," "The Daily," and others [2][4] - The awards will cover multiple categories such as Best Business & Finance, Best Comedy, Best Crime, Best Pop Culture, and more, showcasing a wide range of podcast genres [5][6] Industry Impact - Podcasting is recognized as a rapidly growing medium, with iHeartMedia expressing excitement about celebrating the storytellers pushing audio boundaries [2] - The iHeartPodcast Awards have become a significant event for the audio community, reflecting the cultural relevance of podcasting at SXSW [3] Company Background - iHeartMedia is the largest audio media company in America, with a significant audience reach and a leading position in the podcasting space, as recognized by Podtrac and Triton [16]