The BBC has entered a deal with Sweden-based podcast company Acast. Under this partnership, Acast will be the official partner for commercialization of BBC podcasts and audio outside of the UK. The deal is a joint initiative between the BBC World Service and BBC Radio & Education. Continue Reading
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. Continue Reading
The BBC will reportedly be getting a new role of podcast commissioner. Bob Shennan, the BBC Director of Radio and Music, announced at the Radiodays Europe conference that the broadcaster is “about to announce” the new role, which will focus on cultivating content beyond the station brands. The effort is aimed at reaching new and young audiences. Continue Reading
The BBC has rolled out its first full voice app, creating Amazon Alexa skills for all of its radio stations and podcasts. The skills include controls such as play, pause, and resume. This move expands the broadcaster’s content available on devices running Amazon’s voice assistant platform. Continue Reading
The BBC has introduced a new show called Podcasting House that aims to be a discovery hub for its audio content. In its introduction, the show is described as “a clearinghouse for hundreds of podcasts from the BBC.” Continue Reading
Audio companies of all stripes have been hopping on the bandwagon of smart speakers. The BBC is the latest to take advantage of the new technology in a more unique way. The broadcaster has created an interactive audio drama where listeners can influence the end result of their story. The piece, titled The Inspection Chamber, debuted as an Amazon Alexa skill in the UK this week. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Two BBC Radio execs talk about broadcast and streaming. Pandora’s new CEO chats to Billboard. Taylor Swift is best buds with Spotify now. Continue Reading
The BBC has released its annual plan for 2017-2018. The broadcaster’s budget includes a large investment in children’s programming. It is putting £34 million ($44 million) into BBC Children over the next three years. That money will fund several projects for young audience members, including an enhanced online program with new forms of content and interactivity. Continue Reading
Amazon is continuing to expand the talent pool for its music team. The latest addition is Jason Carter, who will take over a director position for a new initiative at the company. Carter joins from the BBC, where most recently served as head of live music, international, and BBC Introducing. Continue Reading
The BBC is planning to create a new radio service that would act as a “Netflix of the spoken word.” Details are still scarce on this proposed plan, but it would involve paid access for BBC radio listeners outside the UK. There’s a fair amount to unpack in this development. Continue Reading
Bob Shennan has been promoted to the new BBC Director of Radio. His appointment follows the departure of Helen Boaden, who recently stepped down as the broadcaster’s director of radio. Continue Reading
Helen Boaden is resigning from her post as BBC’s director of radio. She is expected to step down in March 2017 after 34 years with the broadcaster. Boaden is leaving at a critical juncture for the BBC. Continue Reading