“Most awards and rankings lists rely on votes from listeners,” says Dave Hitt, founder of the Awards. “They reward excellence in marketing, not necessarily excellence in podcasting. Quality shows with small audiences find it impossible to get attention in such arenas. As a result, popular shows remain popular while great new shows are excluded.””Recognition from the public is great,” adds Hitt. “But it’s even better to be recognized by your peers, other podcasters who know how much time, effort and skill it takes to craft an excellent show.”Nominations will continue until August 31, 2006, when the finalists will be chosen. Members will vote on the finalists during September, and the winners will be announced in early October.

Details are available at the Podcast Peer Awards site.