Audio Lab is back for its fourth year, to discover and help develop the next generation of audio creators.
The BBC Sounds Audio Lab programme will work with the new group to turn their ideas into podcasts which will be showcased on BBC Sounds to reflect diverse experiences from across the UK.
Four successful creators will receive a full-time salary for seven months (from July 2025 – January 2026) at Assistant Producer level, plus a comprehensive package of practical and professional training that includes dedicated production support and a bespoke training plan.
They will be placed with one of Audio Lab’s production partners from across the UK. This year, these production partners are two BBC teams and two independent production companies: BBC Audio Scotland and Northern Ireland (Glasgow and Belfast), Persephonica (Sheffield), BBC Audio North (Salford) and Reduced Listening (London).
Previous Audio Lab creators have gone on to win awards and land prestigious roles across the industry.
Khaliq Meer, Commissioning Executive for BBC Sounds Audio Lab, says: “We are proud to bring back BBC Sounds Audio Lab for its fourth year, continuing our commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering creative new ideas from across the UK.
“The success of Sacred Money, which won Specialist Podcast at the British Podcast Awards in 2024, highlights the exceptional quality and industry recognition our programme achieves.
“With podcast listenership at an all-time high and BBC Sounds seeing 2.3 billion plays across all content in 2024, there has never been a better time for the next generation to join us and benefit from the unparalleled support and resources we and our partners can offer.”
Audio Lab is for those with some experience of making fresh audio, telling great stories or producing narrative content.
Applicants may have a range of content making experience they want to develop including writing, interviewing, recording, editing and presenting. They may have self-published audio or video on well-known social media channels, have produced or presented at community radio stations, or may even have previously held junior production roles.
A passion for audio and podcasts is essential, along with an idea for a conversation, story or perspective to develop into a distinctive podcast. Further information and terms and conditions can be found on the BBC Sounds Audio Lab website.
To help applicants with their submissions and answer questions, there will be an Audio Lab webinar on Monday 20 January at 6pm which will also be available to watch back on the Audio Lab website shortly after the session. Find out more and sign up here.
BBC Sounds Audio Lab is open to all and encourages applications from all under-represented groups in the UK.
Applications open on Tuesday 14 January on the BBC Careers Hub, and close on Tuesday 11 February. Click here to apply.
