Tag: BBC Audio

Acast and BBC Renew International Podcast Deal

~ Jen Thorpe

Acast, one of the most eminent podcast platforms, has renewed its podcast arrangement with the BBC. The deal means that Acast will continue to monetize BBC podcasts through advertising outside of the UK.

Acast and the BBC first started working together in 2018, when the BBC first opened up advertising space in its podcasts internationally. Since then, Acast and the BBC have worked to increase the number of listeners as well as the revenues for the BBC’s impressive podcast portfolio, which covers news, drama, factual and entertainment. During this period, the BBC has launched over 300 new shows and Acast has helped to position the BBC as one of the world’s leading podcast producers.

The new three-year agreement covers all BBC podcasts available outside of the UK and will see Acast support the broadcaster to further grow its podcast audience and revenue in key markets, including the US.

Jonathan Wall, Controller of BBC Sounds, said: “We know how much people enjoy listening to the BBC’s trusted news, brilliant entertainment podcasts and radio programmes around the world. It’s also vital that we bring revenue back to the BBC on behalf of the license fee payer so we can invest in more valued content for our audience, so its great to be continuing to work with Acast to achieve that.”

“The BBC began producing podcasts in 2004, long before Acast even existed – it truly is the original podcasting powerhouse. It’s been a very strong three years for its podcast business, and for Acast, and we’ve both been at the heart of an industry that has grown exponentially during that time, To renew our partnership for another term is a real endorsement of Acast’s people, our technology and our vision, and we look forward to supporting the BBC as a global podcasting player for many years to come,” said Acast CEO, Ross Adams.

BBC Launched New Creative Development Unit Focused on Podcasts

~ Jen Thorpe

BBC announced that BBC Radio’s in-house production division – previously called BBC Radio & Music Production – has relaunched as BBC Audio with a new development unit that is focused on podcasts.

The Creative Development Unit (CDU), based in Bristol, will turbocharge the production division’s podcast ambitions. The CDU team will draw upon the creative and production expertise across BBC Audio’s four production bases to develop landmark podcasts as well as partnerships and co-produced audio projects for the BBC. They will also work with teams and individuals – new to podcasting – on pitching and development.

The Creative Development Unit is a team of four people. It is led by Clare McGinn, who previously ran BBC Audio’s production department in Bristol. It builds on the success of recent BBC Audio podcasts including James Acaster’s Perfect Sounds and The Missing Cryptoqueen for BBC Sounds, Forest 404 and Evil Genius for Radio 4, 13 Minutes to the Moon and Fall of the Shah for World Service, and the BBC Earth podcasts for BBC Studios.

BBC Audio produces speech, music, and events programming for BBC Radio, The World Service, and BBC Sounds. The BBC Audio site showcases new and existing podcasts, as well as the full breadth of output and services from music and speech radio to entertainment formats and live events.