Aug 31, 2023
Following ARIA Gold award win by Tommy Dixon for Colouring In Britain for Best New Podcast, BBC Sounds names a new group of creators being fast-tracked to transform their ideas into world class podcasts with Audio Lab at The Podcast Show.
Chosen from hundreds of applicants, five fresh talents will be immersed in a unique accelerator programme backed by a comprehensive package of practical and professional training while embedded with one of Audio Lab’s five production partners located across the UK.
After a competitive tender process, two independent producers join BBC Scotland Production in Glasgow, BBC Long Form Audio in Salford and BBC Audio Pop & Speech podcasts in London to lead on development and production for each creator. Founded by sisters Hannah and Faith Russell in 2018, Mags Creative now boasts a team of 20 and produces critically acclaimed lifestyle; climate and branded audio. Manchester based indie Three Arrows Media was co-founded in 2015 by BAFTA-winning executive Jon Hancock and creates video and audio content for multiple platforms in Children’s, Education and Factual.
From exploring collective ownership, to the impact of the Stanlow Oil Refinery and the West African talking drum instrument, BBC sounds Audio Lab returns with unheard experiences and untold stories from a range of diverse new voices.
Khaliq Meer, Commissioning Executive, Audio Lab says: “This time last year I said I couldn’t wait to hear what our first year Creators would do and they didn’t disappoint one bit. For Tommy Dixon to go on and win the ARIA Gold award for Best New Podcast at the UK’s biggest audio awards is a fantastic endorsement of his vision and the creative innovation of Colouring in Britain. Huge congratulations to Tommy and all our first-year trailblazers.
I’m also thrilled we’re back with a new Audio Lab programme doing even more to amplify and nurture new grassroots talent. Plus, we’re working with more BBC teams across the UK as well as awarding first-time BBC podcast production commissions to two indies so we can support more growth and stronger collaboration in the audio sector. I’m super excited about what’s to come!”
