The 2024 Australian Podcast Awards has crowned ABC's 'Ladies, We Need to Talk', hosted by Yumi Stynes, as the 'Podcast of the Year', in an awards ceremony hosted on Thursday night at Sofitel Sydney in Darling Harbour.

Powered by iHeart, the awards celebrated the industry's most compelling voices across 31 categories, from entertainment to sports, and even those focusing on Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ topics.

Styne's podcast also took out the 'Sex and Relationships' category, while Toni and Ryan, distributed by Acast, won listener's choice.

Acast ANZ content director, Guy Scott-Wilson, said: "It's great to see Toni and Ryan take home the Listener's Choice award. It's a podcast which genuinely exists for its audience of TARPers. This win really reflects the deep level of engagement Toni and Ryan have with their community".'The Pool Room with Tony Armstrong' took home the 'Best Entertainment' and 'Best Sport' awards. 'First Things First', hosted by Brooke Blurton and Matty Mills, was awarded 'Podcast Champion' for its focus on Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ topics.

Publisher of the year was awarded to SBS for a third year running, with the network's Everything We Need and Grave Matters series winning this year’s climate and factual categories respectively.

Director of SBS Audio, David Hua, said: “SBS is proud to be recognised as Australia’s premier producer of podcasts, giving a platform to new and exciting voices often otherwise underrepresented. Our storytelling in over 60 languages informs and entertains audiences about the nation’s diverse communities, building widespread connection and understanding. It’s truly an honour to scoop up this trifecta win."

SBS Head of Language Content, Davide Schiappapietra,said: “SBS’s podcast slate not only helps grow awareness of the contribution of a diversity of cultures to Australian society, but critically speaks to the changing nature of contemporary Australia with people increasingly wanting to hear their stories and experiences reflected in the content they consume."

Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell won 'Best History' and 'Spotlight' for his podcast 'House Of Skulls', while 'Best Host' was awarded to Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe of the Double J podcast, 'Bang On'. The 'Rising Star' accolade was awarded to Pearl Tan for her podcast 'Diversity Work'.

Head of Digital Audio at ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia, Corey Layton, said: "This year's winners are a testament to the diverse voices and creative approaches that are captivating listeners across Australia. The awards reveal countless examples of both seasoned creators and new voices covering an array of topics that educate, entertain, and inspire. On behalf of everyone at iHeart, congratulations to this year’s nominees and to the entire industry for another incredible year of podcasts."

Editorial Lead of the Australian Podcast Awards, Adam Shepherd, said: "2024 has been another banner year for the Australian podcast sector, with more creativity, excellence, and innovation than ever before. This is reflected in the calibre of entries we received, and picking this year’s winners was as challenging a task as ever."

Other winners included Guardian Australia's Full Story for best daily format, The Flying Doctor Podcast for best branded podcast, Myf Warhurst & Zan Rowe as best hosts, and 7am: The Fight for a Voice for best news and current affairs podcast. 

Guardian Australia Managing Director, Rebecca Costello, said: "Winning Best Daily Podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards for Full Story is a powerful endorsement of thoughtful, in-depth journalism. It celebrates the incredible work of our team, who bring essential stories to life with integrity and passion."