Radio’s community work is getting its own spotlight at the Gracie Awards. A new local radio category honors PSAs and community engagement, joining a podcast division and other additions as the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation opens entries for its 52nd edition.
For 2027, podcast entries move into a dedicated Podcast division, separate from Digital Media.
New categories include Digital/Social Short-Form Standalone Video or Series and Content Creator (Journalist/Reporter/Entertainment) in Digital Media, plus Video Podcast – Co-Host/Ensemble and Audio Documentary/Narrative Non-Fiction in Podcast. The Video Podcast category has also been expanded into Lifestyle/Entertainment/Sports and News/Investigative/Education distinctions.
The Gracies recognize programming and individual achievement created by, for, and about women across television, streaming, radio, podcasting, and digital media. Submissions are open to individuals, networks, production companies, and organizations, with categories for journalists, actors, writers, producers, directors, showrunners, on-air talent, content creators, and other professionals.
The eligibility period runs January 1 to December 31, 2026. The early-bird entry deadline is December 10, and the final entry deadline is January 21, 2027.
National winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala on May 25, 2027, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California. Local and student winners will be celebrated at the Gracies Luncheon on June 15, 2027, at Cipriani on 42nd Street in New York. The Weiss Agency President Heather Cohen, Hallmark Media Chief Communications Officer Annie Howell, and McVay Media Consulting President Mike McVay return as co-chairs.
NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, in partnership with AWMF, is offering scholarships to cover the cost of a Gracie Awards entry for content creators, available to students and professionals. Entry descriptions and the full list of categories are available via the AWMF website.
AWMF President Becky Brooks said, “Each year, the Gracie Awards recognize work that does more than capture attention; it informs, entertains, and ensures women’s voices and perspectives are seen and heard. The entries we receive reflect the breadth and impact of work reaching audiences across platforms and communities. We look forward to honoring the content that moved audiences in 2026 and continuing the Gracies’ long-standing investment in the people who will shape what comes next.”
