As BBC Sounds continues to evolve, it has joined Spotify’s podcast publishing and monetisation platform Megaphone.
This will help to recommend relevant content to audiences on other podcast platforms in the UK, to discover more audio they might like from across the BBC, wherever they listen.
The BBC has also announced new Audio Lab talent, new podcast commissions and returning hits.
Jon Ronson is to return with the popular and acclaimed BBC Radio 4 podcast Things Fell Apart for a second series in 2024, and the long-awaited Chapter Four of George The Poet’s ground breaking Peabody Award winning Have You Have You Heard George’s Podcast? launches this autumn.
New commissions from across the BBC networks include The Good, The Bad and The Wealthy with Zing Tsjeng and Simon Jack, The Gatekeepers with Jamie Bartlett, Danny Robins’ Haunting History, Child with India Rakusen and more.
Jonathan Wall, Director BBC Sounds says: “We are delighted that our partnership with Megaphone by Spotify will transform the way we can signpost new and returning BBC podcasts. And Audio Lab is a new talent scheme the whole of BBC radio are proud of. We look forward to showcasing all this and more at the 2023 Podcast Show.”
Mohit Bakaya, Director Speech Audio and Controller BBC Radio 4 and 4extra says: “Today we’re announcing a raft of exciting new titles which showcase the brilliant journalism, storytelling and talent you’d expect from the BBC.
“I’m delighted that those master podcasters, Jon Ronson and George the Poet, will each be returning to conjure up new tales, set in lush soundscapes, for your listening pleasure. I am also really pleased to announce the launch of Child – a major new project telling the story of child development, from conception onwards, presented by the brilliant India Rakusen – the brains behind the groundbreaking 28-ish Days Later.”
Following an ARIA Gold award for Best New Podcast from the inaugural Audio Lab accelerator programme, BBC Sounds announces five new creators for 2023 and for the first time, two independent production teams – Mags Creative and Three Arrows Media – will partner and help turn the creators’ ideas into a series of new podcasts for the platform.
BBC Sounds Audio Lab year two creators:
May Robson (BBC Scotland Productions)
The Commons (w/t) meets people embracing ‘collective ownership’ – taking personal responsibility to improve their lives, including Liverpudlians transforming abandoned streets into desirable living; Londoners turning their old pub into a Queer safe space; and a Glaswegian pawn shop inventing its own ‘community currency’.
George Powell (Long Form Audio, BBC News – Salford)
This Field Remains (w/t) explores the impact of Stanlow Oil Refinery at Ellesmere Port on the Wirral. Was it an essential local lifeline or simply a failed industrial project?
Taqwa Sadiq (BBC Audio Speech & Music Podcasts – London)
In a cost-of-living crisis, Sacred Money (w/t) explores the concept of Zakat – a compulsory charity given by Muslims around the world. Can it change how we think about money and our communities?Anouska Lewis (Mags Creative – London)
Hometown Boring? (w/t) spotlights towns and cities considered unattractive or branded “rubbish” and “boring”. Is that really true and will delving into their recent histories reveal something different? It’s time to hear if Luton and Hull deserve to be held in as much esteem as London and Edinburgh.
Seun Matiluko (Three Arrows Media – Salford)
Talking Drum (w/t) pays homage to the much-loved West African instrument used to accompany and share stories, by soundtracking the lives; legacies and experiences of Africans in Britain today.
Khaliq Meer, Commissioning Executive, Audio Lab says: “This time last year I said I couldn’t wait to hear what our first year Creators would do and they didn’t disappoint one bit. For Tommy Dixon to go on and win the ARIA Gold award for Best New Podcast at the UK’s biggest audio awards is a fantastic endorsement of his vision and the creative innovation of Colouring in Britain. Huge congratulations to Tommy and all our first-year trailblazers.
“I’m also thrilled we’re back with a new Audio Lab programme doing even more to amplify and nurture new grassroots talent. Plus, we’re working with more BBC teams across the UK as well as awarding first-time BBC podcast production commissions to two indies so we can support more growth and stronger collaboration in the audio sector. I’m super excited about what’s to come!”
