CLC’s “Democracy Decoded” Podcast Wins Two Webby Awards

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Three people sitting in an office around a table with a bookshelf and photos on the wall behind them
The producers and host for Democracy Decoded, Season 1, Casey Atkins (left), Brendan Quinn (center) and Simone Leeper (right). Photo by Jon Roux/Campaign Legal Center

Campaign Legal Center’s “Democracy Decoded” podcast has been announced as the winner of two Webby Awards – one for the judged Webby Award for Podcasts - Public Service & Activism 2023, as well as the publicly voted People’s Voice Award in this same category.  

The Webbys, dubbed “The Internet’s Highest Honor” by the New York Times, is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS)—a 2000+ member judging that includes leading Internet experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries and creative celebrities. 

Premiering in 2022, “Democracy Decoded” seeks to answer the question: Why does American democracy look the way it does today and how can we make it more responsive to the people it was formed to serve?  

Host Simone Leeper (CLC Legal Counsel, Redistricting), along with guests from across the political spectrum, examines our government and discusses how U.S. democracy can be made stronger, more transparent, inclusive, and accountable.  

The first season of “Democracy Decoded” – co-produced by CLC’s Casey Atkins and Brendan Quinn – took a closer look at campaign finance issues shaping the role of money in our political system. Topics discussed included: illegal coordinated campaign spending with CLC’s President Trevor Potter, the history of U.S. campaign finance law, and the impact of secret spending on voters’ daily lives.  

The second season highlighted voting rights from the perspective of both guest experts and voters who examined how the varied nation of laws and regulations nationwide shaped the voting process across different states and municipalities. Topics discussed included: the state of voting access in the present day, felony disenfranchisement at the ballot, and the persistent push for expanded voting rights nationwide.   

“Democracy Decoded” exists as a resource for the public as well as journalists looking for compelling stories and solutions to guide reporting on these issues.  

Our two Webby Award wins for “Democracy Decoded” would not have been possible without all the people who contributed to its creation.  

“Democracy Decoded” is part of The Democracy Group network of podcasts that examine the problems in our democracy and how people can work together for reform. Stay tuned for the premiere of Season 3 later this year wherever you listen to podcasts.

Janel is a Media Associate, Campaign Finance, Ethics at CLC.