Steve Carsey, managing director for podcast studio Storyglass, has been appointed as chair of AudioUK’s skills development programme Audiotrain, the organisation has announced.
The scheme was set up to help audio professionals increase their practical knowledge and capabilities, and provides regular training sessions on various elements of podcast, audiobook and radio production.
Carsey is also managing director of Bertelsmann’s Content Alliance UK - an umbrella organisation set up in 2020 by the German media giant to oversee podcast production for its UK businesses Fremantle, Penguin Random House, BMG, and DK. He will retain this role, including his position as MD of its subsidiary studio Storyglass, in addition to chairing Audiotrain.
“I'm delighted to have been asked to support the work of Audiotrain at this time,” Carsey said. “In a fast-growing and constantly evolving sector, Audiotrain needs to fully meet the needs of all audio professionals, from entry-level creators to experienced executives.”
“Raising standards and activating ambition is vitally important for the health of our industry and the contribution it makes to the UK economy. Working with partners, we will ensure the training, resources and services provided by Audiotrain are world-class in their scope and effectiveness. We need to empower, enable and drive excellence.”
Carsey will be taking the place of David Prest, managing director of podcast production firm Whistledown, who founded the programme in 2014. Originally established through funding from the government and creative industry body Creative Skillset (now known as ScreenSkills), the programme is now funded by AudioUK subsidies, membership fees, and sponsorship from insurance brokers Tysers and advisory and accounting firm Prager Metis.
“We’re really pleased to have Steve on board to help guide us through the next phase of Audiotrain,” said Chloe Straw, managing director of AudioUK. “With audio production seeing a real boom, it is crucial that there are enough people able to take up the increase in demand.”
“Steve’s strategic thinking, knowledge and contacts will be a key factor in ensuring Audiotrain is effective, including exploring whether renewed government funding is possible. We’d also like to thank David Prest for all his years of hard work getting the programme to where it is today.”
