Before we head deeper into the summer months, we wanted to send a roundup of all the things that have been happening in what’s been a busy first half of the year. Our work has has been focused on strengthening, advocating for, and expanding the UK audio and podcasting industry through a combination of policy engagement, member support, strategic partnerships, commercial growth and public representation.
AudioUK membership has reached its highest levels ever, a clear reflection of the continued growth and vitality of our industry. This milestone is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and commercial strength of you and your businesses. Congratulations and thank you for being part of this thriving community.
Highlights so far this year include:
1. Championed podcasting and audio at the policy level, representing the industry in meetings with DCMS, Steph Peacock MP, and other key stakeholders, and launching the new Creative Industries recognition campaign. This campaign calling for podcasting and audio to be recognised as a core UK creative industry is live until the end of August. If you haven’t signed our open letter to show your support yet please do so here.
Thank you to Hannah Brankin for her excellent work as our Policy and Regulation Lead on the campaign, and to Katie Banham, our Marketing and Events Lead, on driving the social and PR around it.
2. Secured funding to relaunch AudioTrain as a sustainable, always-on training platform. The refreshed offering will launch later this year – you might have seen some teasers on socials of the training being filmed at Acast’s studios in London. We are delighted by the expertise we’ve been able to capture – thank you to all of you who took part, and to Juliette Nicholls for her excellent work leading the project. More to come.
3. Led and supported a range of working groups, including:
Out of London
BBC Charter Renewal
Drama – Audio and Podcast
Audiobooks
AI in Audio
Podcast Leaders Lunches
If you are interested in joining any of these groups please get in touch with katie.banham@audiouk.org.uk
We will also launch a Branded Podcasts working group in the autumn, in order to continue our work specifically around engaging more brands with podcasting as a medium – a strong focus will be around identifying and appearing at relevant brand events. Please let Katie know if you’d like to join this group.
4. Pushed for commercial growth in the industry, notably by producing the Power of Podcasting event, which introduced over 80 new advertisers and brands to podcasting, many of whom were considering investing in the medium for the first time. Thanks to all the members who took part.
5. Actively advocated for member businesses working with the BBC, attending quarterly meetings with BBC leadership to influence and negotiate on areas including underlying rights frameworks, increased clarity for producers, music radio tariffs, and UK monetisation initiatives. Raised member issues with the BBC. Involved members in discussions with and decisions involving the BBC.
6. Represented the UK podcast and audio industry publicly, both domestically and internationally, on behalf of AudioUK and its members. A highlight was co-hosting the Indie Business Stage at The Podcast Show this year as well as hosting a number of very popular sessions over the 2 days featuring speakers from our member companies. We also appeared at the Paris Podcast Festival, and are in the process of collaborating with industry bodies in France and Canada to start work on bringing more cohesion between the countries, in order to further grow the industry and benefit our members.
7. Celebrated talent across the industry, particularly through leadership of the APAs, highlighting excellence across roles and disciplines. Entries for the APAs are still open, the final deadline to submit an entry is Wednesday 17th September. Early Bird entry rates are available until 31st August and the Pay What You Can Scheme, supported by Amazon Music and Wondery, is open for those that need it.
8. Hosted members-only events, including successful collaborations such as the Pact x AudioUK TV x Podcasting events in Manchester and London, supporting both networking and professional development.
9. Built and grown partnerships across the podcasting and audio and wider creative industries, with a focus on strengthening advocacy and unlocking shared opportunities for growth, including with Audible, Amazon Music, Wondery, the BBC.
10. Visited members across the UK, including in Glasgow, Birmingham, and Sheffield, to better understand regional needs and strengthen national cohesion. In October we are in Cardiff for our next Podcast Leaders’ Lunch.
11. Provided personalised guidance and support, available to respond to member queries and requests as needed.
12. Expanded the membership benefits package, including:
Updated and new legal and HR templates with Mint and Co and We Do HR.
A new partnership with RiskBox (insurance services)
A new collaboration with Getty Images, offering discounted access for AudioUK members.
13. Supported industry initiatives including: The Scottish Audio Network, Pilot Season, Multitrack and Uni Pod Fest.
14. Had to put this here so we didn’t finish on the number 13…
We are looking forward to an equally busy and productive autumn, please do follow us on our social channels LinkedIn, Instagram and Bluesky for updates. We also love sharing member success stories across our socials, so do let Katie know if there is anything specific you’d like to highlight.
Thank you to the excellent AudioUK Executive Team: Katie Banham, Hannah Brankin, Kim Mason, Mike Hally, Kerry Luter, Juliette Nicholls, and to the AudioUK Senior Team and Board for all their work and advocacy on behalf of the industry.