Alliance for Women in Media Opened Gracie Award Entries
The 52nd annual awards program has opened submissions for content created by, for, and about women.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has officially opened entries for the 52nd Gracie Awards. This year, the organization has expanded its submission categories to include dedicated sections for radio and podcasts.
Why it matters
The Gracie Awards recognize excellence in programming and individual achievement created by, for, and about women across the media landscape. The inclusion of new categories ensures that evolving formats like podcasts receive specific recognition within the industry.
The 52nd Gracie Awards accept entries for work produced between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. NCTA - The Internet & Television Association is providing scholarships to assist applicants with entry costs.
The players
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation
This non-profit organization works to advance the influence of women in the media industry through support, education, and professional development programs.
NCTA - The Internet & Television Association
This trade association represents the interests of the cable television and broadband industries in Washington, D.C.
The details
Entries now feature a dedicated podcast division separate from digital media to better reflect current industry trends. The program also introduced new radio and digital media categories to broaden the scope of recognized creative works.
Timeline
The eligibility period for entries runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
The deadline for early-bird entry submissions is December 10, 2026.
The final deadline to submit entries for the awards is January 21, 2027.
National winners will be honored at a gala event on May 25, 2027.
Local and student winners will be recognized at a luncheon on June 15, 2027.
Roadmap
The introduction of dedicated podcast categories reflects the broader industry shift away from traditional linear broadcast dominance toward on-demand digital content. By segmenting these formats, the foundation positions itself to remain relevant as audience consumption habits continue to fragment.
Industry professionals and students looking to submit their work can utilize NCTA scholarship funds to offset entry fees. Interested applicants must ensure their projects were produced within the 2026 calendar year to meet eligibility requirements.
The takeaway
The Gracie Awards demonstrate how legacy institutions are adapting to keep pace with the rapid growth of the podcasting industry. Creators should monitor deadlines carefully to ensure their work is eligible for the expanded category lists in the coming year.
What happens next
The early-bird entry deadline is December 10, 2026, followed by the final entry deadline on January 21, 2027. National awards will be presented on May 25, 2027, in Beverly Hills, while local and student awards will be presented on June 15, 2027, in New York.
Further reading
For more information on programs supporting professional growth, visit the Women’s Issues section.
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