Podcasting and audio have officially secured a seat on the UK’s Creative Industries Council, marking a major milestone for the sector.
The move recognises the creative, cultural and economic value of podcasting and audio, cementing its place alongside film, television, music, publishing, fashion, games and other key creative industries.
It follows a successful lobbying campaign led by AudioUK, which gathered support from more than 400 UK podcast and audio businesses calling for formal recognition at government level.
The Creative Industries Council is a senior government forum that advises on policy, growth, skills and investment across the creative sector.
With its new seat, podcasting and audio will now have a direct voice in high-level policymaking, helping shape decisions that affect thousands of creators, producers and businesses across the UK and beyond.
AudioUK CEO Chloe Straw welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of the achievement.
“I am beyond delighted to be joining the Creative Industries Council, representing the podcast and audio industry in its first-ever dedicated seat,” she said.
She praised colleagues Hannah Brankin and Katie Banham for their campaigning work over the summer, which helped secure formal representation.
Straw added that the appointment offers an opportunity to drive sustainable growth, maximise economic impact, and ensure the UK remains a global creative leader.
She said: “I’m excited to help shape the future of this fantastic, fast-growing industry, working collaboratively with colleagues from across the creative industries.”
AudioUK has long argued that lack of formal representation risked the sector being overlooked in discussions on funding, skills development, data collection and future growth.
The new seat allows podcasting and audio to engage directly with policymakers for the first time, reflecting its rapid growth and expanding influence.
