BBC Academy Live presents Future Of Podcasts

The Future Of events explore different areas of the creative industry and how they might look in years to come.

***This event has now happened***

The Future of Podcast - Wednesday 22nd April

Taking place in London and online, this event is for those shaping, creating, or curious about the next era of audio where you’ll join leading creatives and industry voices as we explore themes such as how podcasts are evolving across stage and screen; what ethical AI looks like in podcasting; and where new global growth opportunities are emerging.

You’ll hear insights from leaders from BBC Sounds,Bauer Media, Rusty Quill, Platform Media (The Traitors: Uncloaked; Pop Top 10), FlightStory (The Diary of a CEO; Begin Again), and more!

This event is for current and aspiring podcast creators; industry professionals and creatives; and those interested in the future landscape of audio.

Schedule: Morning sessions

10:15 Welcome and Introductions

Swarzy Macaly

Host & Radio Presenter, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra
Blue Dash line

10:30 - 11:30 The future of Podcast

Step into the future of audio with some of the podcast world’s most influential voices. In this dynamic panel, industry leaders come together to unpack the bold decisions shaping what’s next and exploring how today’s strategies are laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s growth.

Chair

Marianna Spring

BBC Social Media Investigations Correspondent

Panel

  • Jonathan Kanagasooriam

    Managing Editor, Podcast Strategy & Video, BBC Sounds
  • Steve Ackerman

    Strategic Advisor, Former EVP Global Podcast
  • Talia Stolerman

    Head of Podcasts, Spotify
  • Whitney Rosenthal

    Global Director, Creator Platforms, Podimo
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11:45 - 12:45 Video Podcasts – Or Should We Just Call It Video?

With platforms increasingly optimising for video, podcasting is entering a new era. This session examines the key ingredients of successful video podcasts and considers the ongoing role—and value—of audio-only formats.

Chair

Emmanuella Kwenortey

Senior Editorial Strategist (Audio & Visual), BBC Sounds

Panel

  • Dino Sofos

    CEO, Persephonica
  • Louise Kattenhorn

    Commissioning Executive, BBC Speech Networks & BBC Sounds
  • Suzy Grant

    Director of Content, Listen
  • Stevie Middleton

    Commissioning Executive, Podcasts - 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Schedule: Afternoon sessions

13:50 - 14:35 The AI revolution in podcasting: Tools, trends & ethics 

As AI becomes embedded across the audio and video ecosystem, it’s driving both innovation and disruption. This session examines how AI is influencing production workflows, audience growth, and content strategy—while also tackling critical issues around transparency, bias, and intellectual property. What does responsible AI adoption look like for the podcast industry?

Chair

Nicky Birch

Innovation Lead, BBC Generative AI Programme

Panel

  • Chris Ward

    Group Operations Director, Bauer Media
  • Isaac Martin

    Director of Innovation, steven.com, Flightstory
  • Richard Hooper

    AI Lead, BBC Audio
Blue Dash line

14:45 - 15:30 Don't just listen, belong: Community building 101

How can we foster a sense of belonging? As video platforms, algorithms, and clip culture increasingly determines what audiences see, we explore strategies that build active communities who share, connect, and thrive with you.

Chair

Rhian Roberts

Commissioner Podcasts&Formats, Head of Digital Speech Audio

Panel

  • Courtney Daniella Jesse

    Managing Director & Co-Founder, To My Sisters
  • Hannah Rashbass

    Membership & Communities Manager, Goalhanger
  • Hannah Brankin

    COO, Rusty Quill

 

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