The Student Radio Association has partnered with Mercury in a deal to distribute all podcast content from the SRA and its member stations.
According to the SRA, which represents 65 student radio stations across the UK, this marks a clear move into podcasting as it continues to support the next generation of audio talent.
Mercury will provide free hosting and distribution for all podcasts made by the SRA and its members under a non-exclusive deal, with the SRA maintaining full control over its content.
Mercury founder Liam Heffernan said removing financial barriers and giving students a platform to develop and launch their content “will empower the next generation of great podcasters”.
As well as hosting and distribution, Mercury will offer students training, expertise, and promotion to monetise shows, creating cost savings and potential revenue for the student radio network.
For graduates launching shows on the SRA network, Mercury also intends to provide ongoing support beyond university as it expands for the global independent podcast community.
SRA Chair Summer Wilde said: “This partnership with Mercury marks a huge moment for student radio.
“Podcasting is an exciting and rapidly growing space, and this collaboration gives our members the tools, support, and platform they need to thrive in it.
“By removing key barriers to entry, Mercury is helping us unlock even more opportunities for creativity, experimentation, and career development across our network.”
Liam Heffernan added: “Student radio is the primary gateway into the audio industry, and podcasts are now a huge part of the audio landscape.
“But student radio stations are run by volunteers with very little resource, and what they achieve under those circumstances is nothing short of spectacular.
“By giving student radio this platform, we remove the financial barriers, not only making it easier for stations to launch their podcasts, but to do it with full creative autonomy.”
