AUSTIN, Texas – Oct. 21, 2026 — Black Austin Matters, the podcast celebrating the voices, experiences and culture of Central Texas’ Black community, has won a Silver Award in the Talk Show category at the 2026 Signal Awards. The winners were announced Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Launched in January 2022, Black Austin Matters is now in its fourth season. The podcast explores the history, culture and everyday experiences of Black Austinites through conversations that foster greater understanding and connection across the Austin community.
Established in 2022, the Signal Awards recognize excellence and innovation in podcasting worldwide. Winners are selected by the Signal Academy, a panel of leading audio industry professionals, with Gold, Silver and Bronze honors awarded across a range of categories. Other 2026 winners include podcasts hosted by Amy Poehler, Monica Lewinsky and Anderson Cooper. For more information and the complete list of 2026 winners, visit: https://signalaward.com/winners
Hosted by University of Texas at Austin professors Richard Reddick and Lisa B. Thompson, and produced by Miles Bloxson, the podcast features conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders and other influential voices. Notable guests include rapper, songwriter and America’s Got Talent finalist Mama Duke; Austin Poet Laureate Zell Miller III; basketball champion, commentator and entrepreneur Fran Harris; and civic strategist, native Austinite, and community leader Eric Byrd.
New episodes of Black Austin Matters are released on the first Wednesday of each month.
Black Austin Matters is a production of KUT and KUTX Studios, the dedicated podcast and digital storytelling division of KUT Public Media at The University of Texas at Austin. The division creates original audio programs, investigative series and culture podcasts focused on the people, history and music of Austin and Texas.
Media contact: Erin Geisler (512) 475-8071