nVox MediaThe podcasting industry is not generally not the focus of media – print, digital, or social. Today, however, podcasting gets its 15 minutes of quasi-fame. Two weeks ago, we reported in Forbes that James Murdoch was interested in buying Vox Media, with its valuable stable of profitable podcasts. Today, that forecast has come true. Forbes and other media outlets have reported that James Murdoch is purchasing roughly half of Vox Media, including its podcast network, eponymous website and New York magazine.The more than $300 million acquisition, according to the New York Times, was made through Mr. Murdoch’s investment company, Lupa Systems. Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff will remain the portfolio’s leader once the acquisition closes, which the company estimates will take about four to six weeks. “This acquisition aligns well with our existing holdings and investments and reflects both our interest in the forward edge of culture and our deep commitment to ambitious journalism and agenda-setting conversations,” Mr. Murdoch said in a statement to the media. “It will allow us to apply new tools across the businesses we are building, adding substantial production, distribution, and editorial capability to our group."James Murdoch is the son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and brother to Fox Corp. James Murdoch was a key figure in a major legal battle regarding his father Rupert Murdoch’s irrevocable family trust, which concluded in a settlement in September 2025. In September 2025, a deal was reached wherein James, Elisabeth, and Prudence agreed to cease being beneficiaries of any trust with shares in Fox or News Corp.FilmMagicMORE FOR YOUJames Murdoch served as CEO of 21st Century Fox until 2019, broke with his family’s media empire in 2020, resigning from the board of Fox Corp amid disagreements with the editorial bent of the family’s brands.James Murdoch has also been a prominent Democratic donor, reflecting deep concern about President Donald Trump’s takeover of the GOP. His politics are considered to be more moderate than his father’s. “Now that this acquisition has been announced, it’s significant for several reasons,” observes Digital Media Consultant Guy McCombe. “First, podcast networks are now throwing off cash and profits in a way that makes them valuable properties. Second, the dissection of Vox Media challenges the assumption that a digital media company with a roster of brands can survive.”Is Award Season Every Season?CANNES, FRANCE - JUNE 17: iHeartMedia's Conal Byrne and Wilmer Valderrama (actor, producer and entrepreneur) host guests for a toast to celebrate joint podcast network My Cultura at iHeartCafé | La Californie during the Cannes Lions Festival on June 17, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)Getty Images for iHeartMediaMoreover, last month, we published an article in Forbes about the excessive number and scattershot nature of awards in the podcasting industry. In the article, Greg Wasserman from RSS.Com noted, “There is no single destination that aggregates all podcast awards, nominees, winners, categories, and historical results. A centralized Podcast Awards Database could become a valuable resource for creators, journalists, brands, and researchers. It could also create a historical record of how the medium evolves.”Despite the lack of industrywide systemic control, noteworthy new awards, existing award winners, and international award submissions were announced. Let’s start with the most notable announcement, which is a key partnership with Elton John, iHeart, and P&G. iHeartMedia and P&G announce the inaugural Elton John Impact Awards According to iHeart, the program will help drive visibility and funding for a range of frontline organizations working to support the LGBTQ+ community including the Elton John AIDS Foundation.gettyThese awards will celebrate trailblazing LGBTQ+ community members and prominent allies. Hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran, the special will launch as a podcast series on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard and as an audio special airing across iHeartRadio PRIDE stations on June 1.Hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran, the special honors changemakers Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck and Chappell Roan for their outstanding impact on the LGBTQ+ community and features a special performance by Dove Cameron. In partnership with Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation, additional funds will be granted to CenterLink, GLAAD, the National Black Justice Collective, Outright International, SAGE, and the Trevor Project. Each organization addresses various critical needs across the LGBTQ+ community, such as supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ elder care, increasing access to preventative health services and treatment, and providing mental health support for young people.Created by iHeartMedia and P&G, the first-ever podcast awards ceremony recognizes the legendary individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, bringing together art, culture and impact. This year’s esteemed honorees include:Jonathan Bailey – Film, television and stage actor who launched The Shameless Fund to support LGBTQ+ charities.Laverne Cox - Emmy-nominated actress and Emmy-winning producer who has elevated transgender visibility in mainstream media and remains a powerful voice for equality and inclusion.Melissa Etheridge - Grammy and Oscar-winning musician who has used her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights for decades through personal storytelling within her music and cultural advocacy.Billie Jean King - Sports Icon and award-winning humanitarian who has spent her life advocating for gender and LGBTQ+ equality in and out of sports.Orville Peck – Trailblazing country performer who uses his artistic persona to blend traditional country aesthetics with queer themes and uses his platforms to create visibility and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.Chappell Roan – Pop icon who advocates for LGBTQ+ rights with her unapologetic artistry and founding of The Midwest Princess Project to support trans youth.The special will feature candid, personal conversations with Elton John, David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and this year’s legendary and iconic honorees. Listeners are invited behind the scenes to hear the stories, challenges, and defining moments that shaped each honoree’s journey, told in their own words like never before. To mark the inaugural broadcast, multi-platinum recording artist Dove Cameron will deliver a special performance of 'Your Song' in tribute to Elton John’s legacy.The Elton John Impact Award was first introduced in 2022 at “Can’t Cancel Pride,” a virtual benefit concert launched by iHeartMedia and P&G, where Elton John was its inaugural recipient in recognition of his decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and the fight to end AIDS. Since then, the award has honored trailblazers including Brandi Carlile and Billy Porter, evolving into the Elton John Impact Awards inspired by Elton’s legacy. Over the course of five years, Can't Cancel Pride raised over $17 million for LGBTQ+ nonprofits.Getty Images for City of Hope“I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to connect us and challenge us,” said Elton John. “These conversations bring together the people who have shaped LGBTQ+ culture and fought for dignity at a time when the world too often looked away. Some are friends who stood beside me through the AIDS crisis, others are carrying the torch forward with the new generation. Hearing their stories and reflecting on how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go, is deeply humbling. This is history that cannot be forgotten and these are voices that must be heard.”“We are proud to celebrate these cultural icons and community organizations that both inspire and support people in communities around the world,” said Brent Miller for P&G. “Through their efforts, they have helped us to better understand and uplift each other while working to create a world where equality and inclusion are achievable for all. They each use their special gifts—whether in the arts, athletics or community impact—to help inspire others with hope, action and impact.” “The Elton John Impact Awards spotlight the vital work of organizations protecting LGBTQ+ communities and advancing health equity around the world,” said David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and health equity remain under threat globally, investing in organizations on the frontlines has never been more urgent.”“We’re honored to partner with Elton John and P&G to tell these stories of the incredible icons to celebrate their enduring impact on the LGBTQ+ community,” said Gayle Troberman, for iHeartMedia. “Because of this, we are also able to showcase what’s possible when we use our voice to support the organizations on the ground delivering critical support to those in need.”iHeartProud charitable foundation partners of this year’s event include the Elton John AIDS Foundation and The Looking Out Foundation. Since it was founded in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has provided support and care for the LGBTQ+ community and tackled the stigma that stands in the way of ending AIDS for everyone, everywhere. Since 2020, the Foundation has awarded more than 55 grants and invested over $23 million in programs across 47 countries. The Looking Out Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Brandi Carlile which has supported humanitarian causes for over two decades – amplifying the impact of music by awarding grants, engaging community, and creating powerful partnerships.The Buzz — BuzzWorthy Radio Receives Silver People’s Telly Award for Shrinking Cast FeatureThe Buzz — BuzzWorthy Radio, hosted by entertainment journalist and interviewer NaVell J. Lee, has received a Silver People’s Telly Award for its featured interview episode spotlighting the cast of the acclaimed Apple TV comedy-drama series Shrinking.Established in 1979, The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and are judged by leaders from television, streaming, production, and digital media. The People’s Telly Award specifically recognizes work that resonates directly with audiences.Telly AwardsThe award-winning episode featured conversations with cast members Christa Miller, Ted McGinley, and Michael Urie, offering audiences an in-depth look into the emotional storytelling, humor, and heart behind the series. The recognition reflects the strong connection the episode made with audiences and supporters of the platform.The Buzz — BuzzWorthy Radio continues to expand its presence within the entertainment media industry through celebrity interviews, television and film coverage, festival coverage, and industry conversations. Mr. Lee is a member of the Television Critics Association and also holds accreditation through the Motion Picture Association.The Buzz“This recognition means a tremendous amount because it reflects genuine audience connection,” said NaVell J. Lee, creator and host of The Buzz — BuzzWorthy Radio. “I’m incredibly grateful to the cast of Shrinking and the publicity team for the opportunity to create conversations that resonated with viewers and listeners in such a meaningful way.”The Buzz — BuzzWorthy Radio is an entertainment media platform featuring celebrity interviews, television and film coverage, industry conversations, and pop culture commentary. The platform has featured conversations with acclaimed actors, filmmakers, musicians, and creatives across television, film, streaming, and entertainment.Submissions Accepted by the International Women’s Podcast AwardsSubmissions for the International Women’s Podcast Awards opened today, May 20th, 2026. Entries will be open through July 31st, 2026.The International Women’s Podcast Awards (IWPAs) are a global audio celebration that honors women and non-binary individuals working across all aspects of the podcasting industry. Unlike traditional podcast competitions, the IWPAs focus on recognizing specific, impactful “moments” of audio brilliance rather than entire shows.Tink Media will also continue the tradition started in past years with the IWPA Scholarship Program to help underfunded, marginalized independent creators submit to the awards, when financial constraints may make applying a difficult decision.Tink MediaThere will be 10 returning categories that include “Moment of Compelling Storytelling,” “Moment of Podcasting Panache in a Language other than English,” “Moment of Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance,” and “Moment of Comedy Gold,” as well as a new one: “Moment of Artistry in Advertising” that recognizes podcast ads from paid sponsors and also cross promotions, like promo swaps and feed swaps. “Creating cool, entertaining, and effective audio ads is a lost art,” said Lauren Passell, founder of Tink Media. “We want to remind people that ads have the potential to be all of those things, and encourage people to start going in bolder directions with how they do host-reads.”The IWPA Scholarship Program will cover entry fees for the awards and tickets to attend the event in person in Toronto for anyone worldwide who would not otherwise be able to participate.