Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast company, announced the launch of Acast Amplifier – its first ever podcast incubator programme – in the UK. Acast Amplifier has been developed to discover and invest in the next generation of podcasters, and will see three aspiring UK-based creators produce and launch new podcasts, as well as receiving benefits including a £2,500 grant.
To be considered, budding podcasters based in the UK – and who don’t already have a podcast – need to apply via an online application. Applicants should introduce themselves and their podcast idea, alongside a 60-second audio statement explaining why they should be picked for the Acast Amplifier incubator.
Acast and a panel of ambassadors – featuring fan-favorite podcasters from the Acast Creator Network alongside other industry experts – will judge the entries and choose three winning creators. Applications are open from today, January 25, and closing at 00:00 GMT on March 14.
Panellists include Adam Buxton (The Adam Buxton Podcast), Chanté Joseph (writer, creator of How Not To Be Racist), Pete Donaldson (Football Ramble), Dane Baptiste (comedian, host of Dane Baptism Questions Everything), Niellah Airborne (Growing Up With gal-dem), Tash Walker and Shivani Dave (The Log Books), Leanne Levers & Roshan Roberts (Dope Black Women), Scroobius Pop, Stu Whiffen and Adam Richardson (Pod Bible), Imirel Morgan (Content is Queen), Chal Ravens (Novara Media, Crack Magazine), and Sophie MacAskill (Curtis Brown).
Winning applicants will have their first three episodes fully produced, along with their podcast’s branding including artwork and music. They’ll also receive a £2,500 grant each, to continue to fund their show, plus a free lifetime subscription to Acast’s top hosting plan, and bespoke support and free equipment from Acast and its partners – including Shure, Pirate Studios, and Crack Magazine’s creative agency CC Co. To cover all bases, from production to branding to monetization, winners will also receive mentoring from Acast.
Acast Amplifier follows the launch Aclass Essentials, a free online resource to equip anyone who wants to start their own podcast with the knowledge they need to produce great, original audio content from home.