2024: A Year of Change in the Industry – From AudioUK

I’ll try to keep this short and sweet, but with everything we’ve achieved this year as an industry and as AudioUK, that’s no small task. 2024 has been marked by rapid change, presenting both challenges and exciting opportunities. It has been a true pleasure to see AudioUK members adapt with agility and entrepreneurial spirit, embracing every challenge with resilience and drive.

We’ve worked tirelessly to support you in this ever-evolving industry, and we want to express our heartfelt thanks for your exceptional engagement with AudioUK this year. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate members. Your contributions, enthusiasm, and commitment have been invaluable. A warm welcome to all our new members - your input has played a crucial role as we continue to grow and thrive together.

Highlights from 2024

1. Podcasting and politics:?Podcasting solidified its position as a major global media platform, with the 2024 US election becoming known as the “podcast election.” UK producers tapped into the trend, creating election-focused shows, political commentary podcasts, and partnerships with international networks, showcasing the industry’s ability to respond to global moments with sharp, relevant content. In the UK, we navigated a new government while continuing to advocate strongly for the needs of the audio industry, updating the AP Tax Relief document with new figures and renewing efforts to gain the support of DCMS and the new Government.
2. BBC Terms of Trade Breakthrough:?In a landmark moment for independent audio producers in the UK, new Terms of Trade were agreed with the BBC. These terms provide producers with more defined ownership of their intellectual property and increased flexibility in their dealings with the BBC, creating opportunities for innovation and growth. We continued to advocate on behalf of all our members who create content for the BBC, across both speech and music, ensuring clearer lines of communication and fairer deals. Thank you to all who contributed to this important work over the past year.
3. Growth of Podcast Advertising:?Brands and advertisers significantly increased their investment in podcasting in 2024. UK producers saw the benefits of this growth, with brands seeking more partnerships and exploring innovative podcast storytelling on a global scale. The interest in podcasting evolved beyond just audio, expanding to 360-degree content offerings that include video, live events, product placements, sponsorships, and merchandise. While the general surge in interest in podcast advertising is promising, it remains an area with much untapped potential, and it will be a strong focus for AudioUK in 2025.
4. AI's Emergence in Audio:?Artificial intelligence changed workflows and content creation in the audio industry, with UK producers exploring AI-powered editing, voice synthesis, and personalisation. While these tools created opportunities for efficiency, they also sparked ethical debates, ensuring the human touch remains central to the storytelling process. AudioUK represented the industry on both the Creative Industries IP and AI Working Group, as well as the newly formed Creative Rights in AI Coalition. Looking ahead, we will launch AudioUK’s dedicated AI Steering Group in 2025.
5. Partnerships:?We strengthened collaborations with key organisations to create new opportunities for members and the wider industry, including partnerships with Amazon Music , Wondery , Audible , BBC Sounds, Mint & Co , We Do HR, Albright IP Limited . Thank you to all our partners for your support in growing the audio industry.?
6. Out of London:?The Out of London Steering Group was relaunched, supported by a dedicated WhatsApp group and quarterly meetings. This renewed focus has ensured our work continues to reflect the diversity and strength of the sector across the UK.?
7. Supporting industry initiatives:?We proudly supported initiatives including Multitrack , Content is Queen , and Uni Pod Fest, all of which foster inclusivity, diversity, and emerging talent across the sector.
8. Showcasing industry expertise:?AudioUK’s executive team and members showcased their expertise on both global and UK stages, appearing on panels including The Podcast Show , Paris Podcast Festival , and North East Screen . The Audio Production Awards continued to celebrate and spotlight the exceptional talent and creativity in our industry, with a successful and inspiring event.
9. Policy advancements:?We were delighted to welcome Hannah Brankin as our new Policy and Regulation Lead. Productive discussions with decision makers, including a meeting with Stephanie Peacock MP, helped us champion the priorities of the audio industry. This important work remains a priority for 2025.
10. Collaborative efforts:?Working alongside partners, we advanced crucial initiatives in sustainability, equity, diversity, inclusion, and CIISA, ensuring that the industry remains forward-thinking and inclusive.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The coming year promises to be even more ambitious, with the following highlights already planned - more details to come in 2025:

1. Relaunching Audiotrain:?Audiotrain will be relaunched with a renewed focus on providing high-quality training and development opportunities across the UK. This initiative aims to ensure that professionals at all levels can access resources to enhance their skills and keep pace with industry advancements.
2. Engagement with DCMS and Government:?We will deepen our engagement with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) and the Government to drive forward critical policy priorities. Focuses include advocating for improved tax relief measures and broader support for the audio industry.
3. Inaugural Podcast Advertising Showcase:?We are excited to host our first-ever Podcast Advertising Showcase, designed to demonstrate the unique opportunities podcasting offers to advertisers. This event will spotlight the value of audio storytelling as a dynamic and effective medium for brands.
4. Launch of an AI Working Group:?A dedicated AI Working Group will be established to explore the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents to the audio industry. The group will address ethical considerations, best practices, and innovative applications of AI in audio production.
5. Strengthening TV and Podcasting Collaboration:?To foster greater collaboration between television and podcasting, we will host the inaugural Pact x AudioUK networking event. This initiative will connect professionals from both industries, encouraging cross-sector creativity and partnership.
6. Establishing a Podcast Steering Group:?A new AudioUK Podcast Steering Group will be launched to drive innovation and collaboration across the podcasting industry. This group will play a key role in identifying emerging opportunities and addressing shared challenges.
7. Supporting Producers Across the UK:?We remain committed to supporting producers nationwide, ensuring the audio industry continues to thrive as an inclusive, diverse, and vibrant sector. Our efforts will include targeted initiatives to foster growth and address challenges.
8. 2025 Business Census:?The 2025 Business Census will gather vital data to better understand the needs of the audio industry. This information will strengthen our advocacy efforts, enabling us to push for resources and policies that reflect the realities of our sector.
9. Continued Work with the BBC:?We will maintain ongoing dialogue with the BBC, advocating for producers who work with them. Our focus will be on ensuring fair practices, clear communication, and strong partnerships that benefit independent audio production.

Thank You

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to those who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to AudioUK this year. First, a special thanks to Kim Mason for her excellent work in membership and finance, which has been an important part of AudioUK’s continued success. We also extend our appreciation to Mike Hally for his work on Audiotrain and the AudioUK website.

Heartfelt thanks go to Katie Banham and Naomi Oiku Oiku for their outstanding work on the Audio Production Awards, as well as Katie’s additional communications work. I am also incredibly grateful to the entire AudioUK Board, including Chair Kellie While, Vice-Chair Bernard P Achampong , Secretary Leona Fensome , and all past and present AudioUK Board members. A special mention goes to Stuart Morgan , Chair of the Out of London Steering Group, and Steve Carsey , Chair of Audiotrain, for their excellent work in those areas.

Additionally, I would like to thank Hannah Brankin , our Policy and Regulation Lead, for her valuable contributions as we continue to advance the priorities of the audio industry.

And, of course, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to you, the members. Many of you have been instrumental in driving much of our work this year while managing your own businesses. All of us at AudioUK are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and input.

In Closing

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our successes this year. From our engaged members to our hardworking Board and team, your dedication has made 2024 a remarkable year for AudioUK. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2025.

Wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday season,

Chloe.