Audio Lab is an 'accelerator' programme with one big ambition - to amplify next-generation podcasters and audio creatives. We support career development and encourage under-represented talent to transform their bold and fresh ideas into value-adding podcasts - to better reflect all of the UK.
You will receive a full-time salary for 7 months from July 2024 to January 2025 as a trainee podcast creator, at an Assistant Producer level, plus receive a range of practical and professional development.



We are looking to recruit 4 x Assistant Producers to work as trainee podcast creators for our BBC Sounds Audio Lab programme.



We are looking for individuals who:

would like to create and present their own podcast of up to 6 episodes, to be showcased on BBC Sounds, all whilst further developing their audio production skills
are open to being managed, guided and directed by an experienced production team who will help you craft your finished podcast
have a podcast idea that could be "the one" we all need to hear. Does it tell a story we haven't heard before? Does it tell a story you're personally attached to that you're happy to be a part of? Will it entertain us or make us laugh out loud? Or can it change views and perceptions?

You will be contracted by the BBC and embedded with Audio Lab's production partners for the duration of your contract. For 2024 our partners are one BBC team and three independent production companies. They are:

Reform Radio, Manchester
Reduced Listening, London
Overcoat Media, Cardiff
BBC Audio North, Salford

Individuals placed with the independent production companies will have regular contact with the Audio Lab team and other BBC colleagues for activities including training, guidance, feedback and networking.



PLEASE NOTE:

You can only apply for one of the 4 placements
Candidates who apply for more than one will not be considered
To apply you will need to click on the link for the specific placement you wish to apply for, NOT the main page apply button

If you're interested one of these roles and would like more information before applying, we are holding a webinar session with people you could end up working with. There will be an option to ask questions, time permitting.



Although this is a group session, attendees will not be visible to each other for confidentiality purposes. If you can't make the webinar, you will be able to access a recording of it shortly after the session on the Audio Lab website BBC Sounds .



Date: Thurs 7th March 2024
Time: 17.30
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u168102349

Main Responsibilities

Your main responsibility will be to plan and develop your idea as part of an established production team, securing its commission on BBC Sounds. We aim for each individual to create a podcast series of 4-6 episodes.



You will play a key role at each stage of development and production, with close supervision and direction from experienced producers, editors and the Audio Lab team.



You will be a creative self-starter with initiative and drive to steer your podcast through to completion, whilst delivering it to time, budget, technical and editorial standards.


Are you the right candidate?

You will have a range of audio and content making experience such as; writing, interviewing, recording, editing or presenting and be highly motivated to grow your skills. You might be self-publishing audio or video content on well-known social media channels, producing/presenting on community radio, have previously had junior audio production roles or have other content making experience that lends itself to audio storytelling.



You will still be at a stage in your career where you will benefit from training and support provided by Audio Lab and its production partners
You will be able to demonstrate creative and distinctive thinking and have ability to develop an idea that appeals to and reflects diverse audiences
You will have good knowledge of how social media can help you reach an audience and grow a following
You will have strong planning and organising skills and be able to use your judgment to seek guidance where appropriate and take advice and act upon direction that may change your original plan
You will have the ability to problem solve and suggest effective solutions to achieve your planned goals

YOUR IDEA:

Do you have an entertaining or fresh perspective idea exploring one of the subjects below that will create a buzz?

We encourage ideas that reflect authentic experiences and interests that excite or move audiences across the UK.



We're particularly interested in hearing ideas about Food, Travel, Relationships, Parenting, Business & Entrepreneurship, Technology and Health & Wellbeing. If your idea doesn't fit into one of the subjects above, we're still interested in hearing about it and what makes it different to other podcasts.



If you'd like to hear what this year's Audio Lab creators produced from their initial ideas, you can listen by searching for them on BBC Sounds either on the website here BBC Sounds Audio Lab or by downloading the free BBC Sounds App on your mobile phone/device and searching for:



Sacred Money
Black Gold
Seun's Talking Drum - British AND West African
No Where
Hometown Boring?