Pretoria, 4 November 2024 – In a landmark achievement, Baird Media and its founders Hendrik and Ethan Baird are celebrating two major wins in one day, setting a high standard for South African podcasting. Their recent audio drama, Stripped, and the podcast Become a Podmaster were both honoured with awards over the weekend. Stripped received the prestigious Writer’s Guild of South Africa (WGSA) Muse Award for Hendrik Baird’s script, while Become a Podmaster won Bronze at the inaugural South African Podcast Awards, hosted by the South African Podcasters Guild (SAPG) in celebration of its first anniversary.
Stripped, which debuted on 24 September 2024, tells the powerful true story of Thomas Budge, a young gay Jehovah’s Witness who defied conscription in apartheid-era South Africa. After his father’s relentless campaign to have South African law amended, Budge was released from military imprisonment but faced excommunication and family rejection when his sexuality became known. Hendrik Baird’s storytelling has struck a chord with audiences, bringing to light an overlooked narrative of courage and resilience.
In addition to this award-winning drama, Baird Media’s Become a Podmaster podcast earned a Bronze award for its commitment to supporting both new and established podcasters. This podcast, which delves into the essentials of podcasting, covers everything from setup to advanced techniques for growth and audience engagement. As Become a Podmaster approaches its third season, it promises to incorporate content from Hendrik Baird’s recently published second book, The Podmaster’s Voice – Mastering the Art and Science of Podcasting, further enriching the podcasting resources available to listeners.
Founded by Hendrik Baird, an expert in media and podcasting, and his son Ethan, Baird Media has become a pillar of support for South African podcasters. Their Podmaster Startup program, designed for aspiring podcasters, provides a guided entry into the medium, while their upcoming Podmaster Masterclass will offer expert training for established podcasters seeking to refine and elevate their work. This Masterclass spans topics such as content strategy, audience engagement, monetisation, and personal branding.
These awards highlight the quality and dedication behind Baird Media’s productions and underscore Hendrik and Ethan’s mission to professionalise the South African podcasting industry. Known for their unique focus on audio drama podcasts, they aim to make podcasting a valuable medium for storytelling and brand engagement, while advancing local talent and content. Their flagship PodTheatre series has redefined brand connection by blending entertainment with brand awareness in a meaningful way.
This double honour serves as a powerful endorsement of Baird Media’s innovative approach and the impact of the father-son team’s commitment to the craft. As they look to the future with upcoming podcast seasons, new courses, and innovative audio dramas, Baird Media continues to solidify its place as a leader in South African podcasting.
For more information about Stripped, Become a Podmaster, and Baird Media’s programs, visit the website Baird.Media.
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Press Contact:
Werner Botes
Press Liaison
Baird Media
Cell 066-0363285
press@baird.media
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