The BBC Sounds’ Audio Lab programme is once again spotlighting emerging talents in the audio industry. Four young producers have been selected to participate in this esteemed initiative.
This programme aims to nurture creativity and diversity, providing these individuals with training and opportunities to voice under-represented perspectives and create innovative content.
Championing Under-Represented Voices
The BBC Sounds’ Audio Lab programme has once again taken strides in championing under-represented voices in the audio industry. This year, four promising young producers have been selected to benefit from this initiative. Mia Thornton, Jay Behrouzi-Sneade, Hugh Sheehan, and Meg Elliot won coveted spots, giving them the opportunity to develop innovative podcasts that reflect diverse stories and perspectives.
BBC Sounds’ Audio Lab programme is dedicated to nurturing talent from various backgrounds, with a focus on amplifying voices that are often overlooked in mainstream media. By doing so, the BBC seeks not only to diversify the audio content available but also to inspire a new generation of creatives keen on making their mark in the industry.
Meet the New Audio Innovators
Mia Thornton, a creative producer from Liverpool, is driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to amplifying Black voices. Her collaboration with Manchester Reform Radio will explore black culture’s influence on music genres. Expect a series enriched with archival content and expert interviews.
Jay Behrouzi-Sneade combines her Filipino-Iranian heritage to cook up a podcast exploring the rich tapestry of food culture. Partnering with BBC Audio North, she aims to delve into the science of food and the British-Filipino experience.
A Focus on Contemporary Issues
Hugh Sheehan brings his expertise as an audio producer and musician to tackle contemporary issues surrounding gender and sexuality in the UK.
His project with London Reduced Listening shines a light on lesser-known legal cases impacting LGBTQ+ rights. Through this, Sheehan aims to provide a platform for meaningful discussion on topics often left in the shadows.
Meg Elliot offers a unique perspective with her podcast, developed in collaboration with South Wales’s Overcoat Media. Passionate about folklore and cultural stories, her narrative examines the intersections of ancient traditions and modern living, engaging audiences with compelling stories tied to the landscapes they inhabit.
In Partnership with Multitrack
The BBC Sounds’ Audio Lab initiative is further fortified through a partnership with Multitrack, a charity fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in audio industries. This collaboration introduces a 12-week Fellowship programme designed to build skills and opportunities for budding producers.
Multitrack and BBC Sounds also offer 14 full-time paid placements, alongside three additional part-time positions outside London. These initiatives are crafted to cultivate new talent, ensuring a wider representation in the creation and production of audio content.
Commitment to Professional Development
Each selected producer embarks on an accelerator programme, providing both practical and professional training. Central to this initiative is the partnership with leading UK audio producers, who guide these young talents in realising their ideas.
The structure of the programme ensures that these creatives enhance their skills in writing, recording, performance, and promotion—paving the way for innovation and growth.
Khaliq Meer, Audio Lab’s commissioning executive, emphasises the programme’s unique journey. “It is thrilling to see the passion and creativity from this cohort,” he noted, highlighting the personalised mentorship and growth opportunities presented to each participant.
Future Prospects of Audio Lab Alumni
Previous participants of the Audio Lab programme have achieved significant recognition, including nominations at the British Podcast Awards and an ARIA Gold award for Best New Podcast. These successes underscore the programme’s efficacy in nurturing emerging talents.
The current cohort is expected to continue this legacy, utilising the skills and exposure gained to advance their careers in the audio sector.
Sustaining Creative Ambitions
Central to the mission of Audio Lab is the sustenance of creative ambitions for young producers. By providing resources, training, and a platform for diverse voices, the programme reinforces its commitment to cultivating future leaders in audio content development.
The BBC Sounds’ Audio Lab programme remains a beacon for nurturing diverse talents in the audio industry. By offering invaluable opportunities for growth and development, it continues to set a standard for fostering innovation and inclusivity.
