Jason Phipps is joining the BBC as the broadcaster’s first commissioning editor for podcasts. When he takes over this post in May, Phipps will be in charge of leading the BBC’s podcast strategy and overseeing its roster of new and existing shows. The new shows are expected to include original creations that do not stem from BBC radio broadcasts. Phipps joins the BBC from The Guardian, where he has served as head of audio since 2014. He also had a stint in podcast production at the BBC earlier in his career (and is a past RAIN Summit speaker).
“It’s an incredible time to re-join the BBC and be part of a podcasting revolution well underway,” Phipps said. “For podcasters and everyone in the audio community there is a sense that we are at the foothills of an incredible period of innovation and reinvigoration of radio. My role will I hope be an opportunity for a new generation of native podcasters and deliver great content to hungry ears across the UK.”
“I’m delighted Jason will be joining us in this important new role as his expertise in the podcast sector is unquestionable,” added Ben Chapman, BBC’s head of digital for radio. “Across BBC Radio we’re investing and experimenting in what we’re doing digitally to reinvent our brilliant audio for those less likely to listen on air and making sure younger listeners can enjoy quality, distinctive BBC content when and how they want to.”