Deadline: February 27, 2026
Applications for the Sheffield DocFest Podcast Pitch 2026 are now open. The Podcast Pitch is a joint initiative with Sheffield DocFest to fund original audio documentary. Unlike the Film & TV Award, you do not have to be a first time creator in order to apply. The Podcast Pitch follows the growing global trend towards solo, episodic listening to factual audio. Single episode proposals will also be considered.
Benefits
- The Whickers are giving a £15,000 production award to the winner and £5,000 to a runner-up.
- Finalists will also receive a free pass to Sheffield Documentary Festival in June 2026, 3 nights’ accommodation, a contribution of up to £400 per project towards their travel expenses and access to top industry professionals and commissioners of the audio world.
Eligibility
- Open to any independent podcast Producer or Director; you do not have to be a first-time podcast maker.
- Applications from across the globe but projects must be accessible to listeners in the English language.
- Applicants must have an executive producer on board at the time of applying.
- Both series and single episode proposals will be considered.
Application
Key dates for 2026 round:
- 3rd December 2025 : Applications open
- 27th February 2026 ((23:59 GMT)) Applications close
- April 2026: Shortlisted projects announced
- June 2026: Finalists pitch their projects at Sheffield DocFest
- June 2026: Winner of the Podcast Pitch Award announced at Sheffield DocFest Awards Ceremony
For more information, visit Podcast Pitch.