ASIA

Our 2024 Asia Podcast Awards finalists have been revealed. Here’s the full list.From hundreds of entries, we have a list of 61 finalists for this year’s awards.Winners will be announced at the RadioDays Asia Conference in Kuala Lumpur, 2-4 September, giving you about two weeks to vote in the People’s Choice section of the awards.

In most cases we have named about three podcasts that scored the highest marks in each category, but in the largest categories more than three high quality finalists have been selected. Not all entries and categories were awarded*.The judges had a big job this year, with some categories receiving large numbers of submissions. Thanks very much to our judges for their hard work over the past few weeks.The largest categories were:  Interview, Money & Business, Society & Culture, Health and Wellness, Fiction and News.The countries with the strongest podcast industries, according to entry submission and finalists’ success are: Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Japan.Click the Tile to go through to the Finalist’s podcast feed. Share using #PodcastAwards, #Listenerschoice and podcast name hashtags.With so much competition, just getting to the finalists stage is recognition in itself, so give a big round of applause to these top performing podcasts for 2024… drum roll please!

Category

Entry

Best Children’s Entertainment Podcast
Chinese Folk Tales

The Land Before Bedtime: In Space

Best Education Podcast
Takeaway Chinese

The GlobalEd Podcast

The Guiding Voice

Best Factual Podcast
Climate Connections

Money Fact

Aging in China: Living with Alzheimer’s

Best Fictional Podcast
Ghost Maps

Echoes of Kuliang

Pontianak

Seram Story Time

Best Health and Wellness Podcast
Overcoming cancer to complete two marathons

Mind Your Business of Health

Thank Fitness it’s Friday

Best Interview Podcast
A Vietnam Podcast

Muzik Roundtable

Sports Minutes: Finding strength from struggle; a Father’s Day special

R.I.C.H.

The Bridge

Confession Bilik Gelap

Filming in Thailand

Life Confession

Forward Podcast_Best Interview Podcast

Best Money and Business Podcast
Big Take Asia

Money Talks

The Financial Coconut

Money and Me: How a Contrarian Investor Reads a Sell-Off

Unibizity

Thought Leader Club

Forward Podcast_Best Money and Business Podcast

Chat Lounge

Best New Podcast
Big Take Asia

Climate Watch

Breakfast Bites

Gen Bridge

Best News Podcast
Big Take Asia

Siti Mimah

Deep Dive

Deep Dive Podcast

Best Radio Show Podcast
Liang Wenfu Music Journey

World Today

Borak Selebriti SINAR

Best Society and Culture Podcast
Love Buzz

The Reading Room

Love Matters

Round Table China

Sembang Atas Dulang

K-Wave with Hongbin Jeong

The Daily Ketchup

Let’s Talk About Art with Art Teller Tony

Best Sport Podcast
Suited & Booted

Bats, Balls Banter

Sports Minutes: New Year, New Me (4-part series)

Sideline Story

Podcast Host or Presenter/s of the Year
Filming in Thailand – Host StephaneLambert

Michelle Martin – Presenter of the Year

Niu Honglin: Dragonboat Festival extravaganza

Podcast Publisher of the Year (major)
SYOK – Publisher of the year

CGTN Radio

Acast – Podcast Innovation of the year

Vote for your People’s Listener Choice here.* Judging in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 follows a rigorous quality process. Usually the top three submissions are chosen as finalists, but where the marks are very close, more finalists are included. Marking is done out of 100. If a finalist is named in this list, it is likely they scored in a range between 75-100%.Other entries that may not have achieved finalist status would likely have scored 50-75%, which is also considered a significant achievement. If entries did not reach at least the 50% cut-off mark they were not eligible to be a finalist.From eligible finalists, one Indie and one Major winner will be selected if there are suitable entries in each division. Winners will be awarded recognised in our Winners list and profile stories and will be announced at the RadioDays Asia Conference in September in KL. We hope to see you there!Podcast Day Asia sessions you must attendWe’ve reserved a discounted seat for you at the 2024 RadioDays Asia Conference […]

Podcast Day Asia (PDA) takes place on Tuesday, September 5, and is part of Radiodays Asia (RDA), which takes place 2-4 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Here are some the must attend sessions at PDA 2024:Future of Podcasting – What’s next?

In this panel we look at where the future might take us. Podcasting is only 21 years old – so what will the future be, now we’re entering into adulthood? What is the future of RSS, and are the download’s days numbered? And where next for podcast measurement. Join James Cridland, Editor of Podnews, and a panel to prepare us for what’s next.Monetisation and moreHow does your podcast make money? In this session, our speakers will look at monetisation options for your podcast: from ad sales and networks, to sponsorships, subscriptions, and other ways of earning revenue. Hear from the biggest global podcast publisher on tips and tricks to make your podcast more revenue.You can register for the whole three-day Radiodays Asia conference, or you can register just for Podcast Day Asia. […]

The Afghan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) suspended 17 broadcast licenses for 14 media outlets on July 22 in eastern Nangarhar province due to non-payment of taxes, raising significant concerns about press freedom in the region.ATRA is a regulatory body that operates as part of the Taliban’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.The Taliban had already shut down seven media outlets in the first half of this year, including several radio stations across different provinces.

The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) acknowledged that many media outlets owe back taxes ranging from one to ten years. Currently, only 14 radio stations remain operational in Nangarhar.Local media officials reported that economic difficulties have increased since the Taliban’s return to power, with advertising revenue, their primary income source, significantly decreasing.The order also stipulated that the outlets must renew their licenses and pay any outstanding fees or risk having all the outlet’s licenses revoked, according to CPJ’s review of the order, the exiled Afghanistan Journalists Center watchdog group, and a journalist who spoke to CPJ on the condition of anonymity.Outlets with suspended radio licenses include:“Taliban officials must immediately reverse their decision to suspend the broadcast licenses of 14 active media outlets in Nangarhar province that collectively reach millions of people,” said Beh Lih Yi, CPJ Asia program coordinator. “The Taliban continues to exert pressure on media outlets to control their programming and broadcasting operations in Afghanistan. They must cease these tactics and allow the independent media to operate freely.” […]

The Radio Days Asia schedule is packed from morning til night for the conference days, but if you fly in early, here are some suggestions of how to spend an extra day in Kuala Lumpur from well known radio industry locals.We asked the team at Malaysia’s only independent radio station BFM, heard on 89.9 for their favourite food outlets and places to visit. The audience at BFM appreciate the station’s varied programming areas which include not only business and current affairs, but also food, arts, sports, music and fashion.The BFM team are happy to welcome Conference visitors and keen to share their passion for food  and culture in K.L. Below is a list of their favourite places, compiled by Caroline Oh, BFM’s program director.

“When in KL, do as BFM-ers do.” said Caroline.“We love to eat. Yes it is a national obsession. And the folks at BFM Media are no different. So we collectively put together this long list of places to eat what we like, and then a list of places of interest you might visit to walk off those calories. Needless to say this list does not exhaust what the city has to offer. To learn more about the people and places of Kuala Lumpur, listen to I Love KL, on BFM 89.9.” FIRST…  MAKANHai Kah Lang TRX https://guide.michelin.com/my/en/kuala-lumpur-region/kuala-lumpur/restaurant/hai-kah-langGet the mixed seafood noodles (or fried fillet noodles for the less adventurous). I like to get the tomato soup here, and love the added wine. VCR (in Galloway and TRX) https://vcr.my/menu/askthebarista/vcr-stacks-trx/They make a mean coffee here, and the English muffin is delicious if you’re looking for something different here from what’s on offer at the hotel! Nasi Lemak Wanjo (Kampung Baru) https://www.instagram.com/nasilemakwanjokgbaru/?hl=enGreat (almost) all-day nasi lemak, to fuel you up to explore the rest of the Kampung Baru enclave. Pizza Mansion (Jalan Mesui) https://www.instagram.com/pizzamansion/?hl=enGood pizza, good wine, don’t skip on the chilli and basil-infused oils.BarTolo (Pasar Seni) https://www.instagram.com/bartolobakehouse/?hl=enA new spot, serving Portuguese plates and delicious egg tarts and pastries. Look out for their jazz nights. Yut Kee (Jalan Kamunting) https://www.bangsarbabe.com/2016/04/yut-kee-jalan-dang-wangi-kuala-lumpur.htmlAn almost-century old establishment, famous for their Hainanese-style chicken and pork chops, and butter cake and Swiss rolls.Fifty Tales https://www.instagram.com/fifty_tales/?hl=en“A lunchtime favourite for oodles of noodles (or if you’re there for dinner, don’t miss the mochi!)”Da Bao Restobarhttps://www.instagram.com/dabaomy/?hl=en“The unexpected star? The fish bao!”Donut Planhttps://www.instagram.com/donut_plan/?hl=en“MUST, MUST, MUST order – the brown butter marmite doughnut”Thong Kee Cafe https://thongkee.com.my/ / https://g.co/kgs/d4JmeFb “You’ve got to have the White Coffee and Butter-Kaya Croissants at Thong Kee! And if you have the space, try their Spicy Chicken Muffins!”Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee https://www.chillipanmee.com/ / https://g.co/kgs/pm3jGMT “Known for one thing, as the name implies, chilli pan mee is a a must-have when in KL. And if you’re worried about the spice, skip the chilli! The flavour from the noodles and minced pork itself is enough justification to stop by. Add on the fried pork if you’re in a group!”Village Park https://www.instagram.com/villageparkofficial/?hl=en / https://g.co/kgs/JkGUvom “Nasi Lemak is a national treasure and there are few as consistent and as well known in the business as Village Park.”Bala’s Banana Leaf https://www.instagram.com/balasbananaleaf/?hl=en / https://g.co/kgs/C7YjvTM “Banana leaf is a core part of KL’s food culture. Served on a banana leaf, enjoy an explosion of flavours and spices as you mix and match curries, meats, and vegetables. Don’t forget to try the fried chicken and mutton varuval!”Kopenhagen Coffeehttps://www.kopenhagencoffee.com/ / https://g.co/kgs/qSwHLcN Pulp by PPP Coffee, Bangsarhttps://pppcoffee.com/pages/pulp-by-pppcoffee / https://g.co/kgs/WYHkhGT Merchant’s Lanehttps://www.instagram.com/merchantslane/?hl=en / https://g.co/kgs/izutk3A “Looking for a nice coffee spot to get your latte on? Kopenhagen Coffee, PPP, and Merchant’s Lane have you covered. They all have their own unique vibe, but the common denominator is that their coffee is great.”103 coffee https://www.103coffee.com/cafe“Love, love, love the unique coffee here. Am slowly working my way through the menu!”Licky Chan https://www.lickychan.com/“From boozy ice cream and cakes, to lactose-free, vegan creations. I highly recommend the Pickle Lick flavour”Heritage Pizza https://www.instagram.com/heritagepizza_kl/?hl=en“Am here often for this very, very authentically Italian pizzeria. My standard order is the Parma with Buffalo Burrata.”Crema https://www.crema.my/“Italian pasticceria with incredible pastries. The Torta Al Pistacchio is a family favourite that’s delivered to my doorstep every time there’s a special occasion. BROWSE… FROLICK… MARVEL GMBB (Pudu) https://gmbb.com.my/“A quirky art-filled space, with plenty of events ongoing, and a great way to get a feel for Malaysia’s art scene.”REXKL (Petaling Street) https://www.rexkl.com/“A former cinema, now housing eateries, a very cool bookstore, and shops highlighting Malaysian-made goods. Stop by and cool off from the city heat with coffee, kombucha and ice cream!”Eslite (Starhill Gallery) https://www.eslite.com.my/“The first Southeast Asian flagship store of an iconic Taiwanese bookstore – a great place to pick up some books and stationery, and to people watch!”Sin Sze Si Ya Temple Pioneers of Kuala Lumpur Museum https://www.holidify.com/places/kuala-lumpur/sin-sze-si-ya-temple-sightseeing-1259696.html“For my fellow history nerds who want to know more about the history of Kuala Lumpur”Islamic Arts Museum https://iamm.org.my/“Love, love LOVE the ceramics section here. I spend hours POTTERING around!”Temu Househttps://www.temu.my/ / https://www.instagram.com/temuhouse/ “A small, private gallery in a refurbished double-storey bungalow: the exhibitions change every so often but they also host art workshops in their event space so do check out their social media to see what’s on”Ilham Galleryhttp://www.ilhamgallery.com/“A lovely little public art gallery in the heart of KL, with a rotation of exhibitions happening”The Zhongshan Buildinghttps://www.instagram.com/thezhongshanbuilding/?hl=en“An art and research hub, with creative workshops galore.”Taman Tugu Malaysiahttps://tamantugu.my/visitor-information/“My weekend escape. Taman Tugu is a 66-acre public park and conservation site with hiking trails for all levels of fitness.” […]

Taliban intelligence agency has detained Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj, a broadcast manager and presenter with the independent Millat Zhag radio station in the southern city of Kandahar.Millat Zhag broadcasts news and cultural programming for Kandahar city and surrounding districts.Mohtaj is known for hosting social and historical programmes and has conducted several interviews with local Taliban officials.

A local reporter in Kandahar, who spoke to Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) under conditions of anonymity due to fear of reprisal from Taliban officials, reported that Mohtaj was arrested by employees of the Kandahar Provincial Virtue and Vice Department around 4 PM on Saturday, July 27, after he left his office for home. The journalist was unable to clarify the reasons behind Mohtaj’s arrest.This marks at least the third arrest of a local journalist in Kandahar this month, including freelance journalist Mohammadyar Majrooh, who was arrested by the provincial department of the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) on July 12 and remains in custody.According to local sources, nearly all journalists and media workers in Kandahar, including those active on social media, are under severe pressure and threat from the Taliban and cannot broadcast or publish anything without its permission.“Taliban officials must immediately release Mohammad Ibrahim Mohtaj and stop arbitrary detentions of journalists and media workers,” said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Beh Lih Yi. “Afghanistan’s notorious morality police must not exacerbate a media crackdown that has been a hallmark of Taliban rule or heighten fears among Afghan journalists.”AFJC expressed deep concern about the arrest of Mohtaj and has called on the Taliban authorities in Kandahar province to release him unconditionally as soon as possible. […]

American Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been released as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia after more than nine months in prison.Kurmasheva, 47, is a journalist with RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir Service who was detained in Kazan, Russia, on October 18, 2023. Alsu holds U.S. and Russian citizenship and lives in Prague, Czech Republic.She travelled to Russia on May 20 for a family emergency. She was temporarily detained on June 2 and arrested again on October 18.

Following a rapid and secret trial, she was convicted of “spreading false information” about Russia’s military on July 19, 2024, and sentenced to six and a half years in prison.RFE/RL President & CEO Stephen Capus said: “Alsu was targeted because she was an American journalist who was simply trying to take care of a family member inside Russia. She did nothing wrong and certainly did not deserve the unjust treatment and forced separation from her loving family members and colleagues.  Alsu’s release makes us even more determined to secure the freedom of three other RFE/RL journalists, cruelly imprisoned in Belarus and Russian-occupied Crimea. Journalism is not a crime.”Following a rapid and secret trial, Kurmasheva was convicted of “spreading false information” about Russia’s military on July 19, 2024, and sentenced to six and a half years in prison.Photo:RFE/RL […]