BBC Sounds has announced it has joined Spotify’s Megaphone publishing platform at The Podcast Show. The announcement came alongside a smattering of newly commissioned podcasts and the unveiling of the Class of 23 Audio Lab talent.
Using Megaphone, Spotify’s podcast publishing and monetisation platform, BBC Sounds plans to be able to help listeners discover more programmes from across the BBC by recommending relevant content to audiences on other podcast platforms. The new approach will change the way the BBC advertises its shows on podcast platforms in order to grow listenership.
Jonathan Wall, director of BBC Sounds, said: “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.”
On top of the Megaphone membership, BBC Sounds announced a number of returning shows, new commissions and the Class of 2023 for its Audio Lab podcast talent programme. Jon Ronson announced the return of the BBC Radio 4 podcast Things Fell Apart for a second series in 2024, alongside the long-awaited fourth chapter of George The Poet’s award-winning Have You Heard George’s Podcast? which launches this autumn.
The BBC also commissioned a raft of new commissions across BBC networks, including The Good, The Bad and The Wealthy with Zing Tsjeng and Simon Jack, The Gatekeepers with Jamie Bartlett, Danny Robins’ Haunting History, and Child with India Rakusen.
Five new creators for the Audio Labs were also unmasked at the event. May Robson, George Powell, Taqwa Sadiq, Anouska Lewis and Seun Matiluko have been accepted into the programme and will be producing podcasts exploring topics from collective ownership to the impact of the Stanlow Oil Refinery, and the West African talking drum instrument.
Mohit Bakaya, director speech audio and controller BBC Radio 4 and 4extra, said: “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 both Jon Ronson and George The Poet will be returning to bring their unique style of podcasting. 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.”
