ABC Radio Australia's podcast Politok has been named Best International Podcast at the Asia Podcast Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The award comes as Politok enters its third season, with production of the new season currently underway.

Host Scott Waide said he received a call from the ABC informing him that Politok had been selected as a finalist before going on to win the international category.

Waide described the award as a great honour and thanked the ABC for giving him the opportunity to host a podcast focused on issues affecting Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific.

“It’s a great honour to be able to host and cover issues of importance, particularly in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific.”

In the first two seasons, Politok has covered major regional issues including climate change, security and geopolitics, bringing together academics, politicians and policymakers from across the Pacific.

Waide said he has been closely involved in the planning of the podcast, with preparations for each season taking place over one to two months.

He said the podcast has deliberately avoided being too focused on Papua New Guinea, instead aiming to represent the wider Pacific.

“I try not to make it too PNG-heavy.”

Waide also credited the production team for the podcast's success, acknowledging Jordan Fennell, Kuntamari Crofts and Inga Stünzner, as well as Justine Kelly of ABC Radio Australia.

Production of the third season is currently being led by Priyanka Srinivasan, who has taken over from Fennell.

Producing the podcast from Papua New Guinea has presented its own challenges, particularly unreliable internet connectivity and prolonged power blackouts.

Waide said slow internet speeds can make it difficult to upload large files, while blackouts can bring production equipment to a halt.

However, those challenges have also provided content for Politok, with the podcast covering Papua New Guinea's power and energy situation.

For Waide, one of the standout achievements of Politok has been its ability to bring voices from across the Pacific into discussions on politics and regional affairs.

The podcast has featured academics, politicians and policymakers, which Waide said reflected its position as a serious podcast focused on Pacific politics.

Now in its third season, Politok is expected to return to air soon following its recognition at the 2026 Asia Podcast Awards.