Black Austin Matters Wins National Signal Award
The local podcast earns Silver in the talk show category during its fourth season.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in African-American
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The locally produced podcast Black Austin Matters has earned national recognition, taking home a Silver Award in the Talk Show category at the 2026 Signal Awards. The program, which focuses on the experiences and history of the Black community in Central Texas, is currently in its fourth season.
Why it matters
Since launching in 2022, the show has documented the lives and legacies of Austinites through the perspective of KUT and KUTX Studios. Its recognition by the Signal Academy highlights the podcast's role in elevating regional narratives on a national stage.
The podcast secured a Silver Award in the 2026 Signal Awards, marking a significant milestone for the show now in its fourth season. The competition, established in 2022, remains highly competitive among audio industry professionals.
The players
Richard Reddick
One of the two hosts who leads conversations about the Black experience in Austin.
Lisa B. Thompson
A co-host who brings professional insight to the podcast's exploration of local history.
Miles Bloxson
The producer responsible for the technical and editorial direction of the podcast.
KUT and KUTX Studios
The local public media organization that produces the award-winning series.
The details
Produced by KUT and KUTX Studios, Black Austin Matters is hosted by Richard Reddick and Lisa B. Thompson with production by Miles Bloxson. The podcast debuted in January 2022 and maintains a regular release schedule on the first Wednesday of every month. The Signal Awards honor exceptional work in the audio industry as judged by a panel of audio professionals.
Timeline
The Black Austin Matters podcast launched in January 2022.
The Signal Awards were established in 2022.
The 2026 Signal Awards winners were announced October 20, 2026.
The Texas Context
The Signal Awards were established in 2022 to provide a dedicated stage for audio storytelling. This win follows that industry trend by elevating a local program focused on the Black experience in Central Texas to a national audience.
Listeners can continue to catch new episodes of the award-winning podcast on the first Wednesday of each month. The show remains free and available for streaming through KUT and KUTX platforms.
The takeaway
The recognition of Black Austin Matters underscores the value of local storytelling in the national podcast landscape. Listeners can support the program by tuning in to the first Wednesday release of each month.
Further reading
Explore more local voices and stories in the African-American section.
More information
View the complete 2026 Signal Awards winners list online.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUT.
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