There’s a chance for the next generation of audio creators to have their podcasts showcased on BBC Sounds as Audio Lab returns.
Last year, it helped a series of original podcasts from emerging audio creators, with some going on to win broadcasts on BBC Radio 1Xtra and 4 Extra. Some were championed in the Radio Academy’s 30 Under 30 and critically acclaimed alongside some of 2022’s biggest hits including Pod Bible’s best podcasts of the year.
Each successful creator gets a full-time salary for eight months (May-Dec 2023) at Assistant Producer level, plus a package of practical and professional training that includes dedicated production support and a bespoke training plan.
Also, new for this year, creators will spend time with one of Audio Lab’s production partners from across the UK, who will help to choose the best ideas.
They include BBC Scotland production, BBC Long Form Audio in Salford, BBC Audio Pop & Speech podcast production and in another first, a UK independent production company.
Next week, BBC suppliers based in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, Salford, Birmingham and London will be invited to express their interest to work with BBC Sounds Audio Lab. Further details will be announced next week via BBC Radio Commissioning and the Audio Lab website.
Khaliq Meer, commissioning executive for BBC Sounds Audio Lab, said: “We set out to create an immersive space where emerging talent can hone their skills and ideas. I’m incredibly proud of the podcasts our first year creators produced, some of which were broadcast alongside world class programmes on BBC radio.
“More people are listening to podcasts than ever before and we’re passionate about helping the next generation access the right support and resources, achieve next-level ambition and reach new audiences on BBC Sounds.”
Champions for this year’s Audio Lab feature some of the stars from across the BBC’s audio talent including co-host of hit BBC Sounds podcast Brown Girls Do It Too, Poppy Jay, BBC Asian Network presenter and host of YouTube series Corner Shop, Mistah Islah, BBC podcast Access All co-host Emma Tracey, BBC Radio Leicester breakfast show presenter Summaya Moghul and host of BBC News and 1Xtra’s If You Don’t Know podcast, De-Graft Mensah.
Applications open on Tuesday 17 January via the Audio Lab website and BBC Careers Hub, and close on Sunday 12 February.
