What impact are podcasts having on the UK radio market? What is the scale and reach of the UK podcast market, in terms of the number of providers, usage of different platforms, market share of providers and platforms, demographics and other factors including financial dynamics?

Background

The Media and Creative Industries directorate wants to probe and develop evidence for considering new funding approaches and business models across its sectors which can better ensure growth, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. As new challenges arise, it needs to develop a strong research evidence base to lead on policy and to support these sectors and their wider impacts.In terms of media, MCI needs to consider how best to support television, radio and the press sectors to adapt to the ever-changing media environment while maintaining a media which acts in the public interest and with social and environmental responsibility. The place of regulation and government intervention should be considered within this context. The UK has a reputation for the provision of a dynamic, strong, independent and safe sector where freedoms of speech and expression are supported. There will be a natural focus on the BBC over the coming years as MCI looks at the sustainability of BBC funding and prepares for the start of the next charter period in 2028.

Next steps

Get in touch with csa@dcms.gov.uk

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DCMS areas of research interest GOV UK

Related UKRI funded projects

  • Podcasting: A new approach for IP and Revenue Generation

    The podcasting industry is currently geared towards big corporations, brands and celebrities, that have been best positioned to flood the market and exploit growth in podcasting as an art-form over the last 15 years. Th...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: AIAI STUDIOS LTD

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it focuses on revenue generation models for podcasting, but does not address the scale, reach, market share, demographics, and other factors of the UK podcast market.

  • SOUNDYARD - ORIGINAL PODCASTS AND STUDIO HUB

    SOUNDYARD is a community interest company that teaches audio-making skills. Its social mission is to promote wellbeing through creativity and turn up the volume on under-heard voices. The company is founded by a duo who...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: SOUNDYARD CIC

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it focuses on original podcasts and studio hub, but does not provide information on the scale and reach of the UK podcast market.

  • Listener online engagement with BBC radio programming

    The proposed venture is a knowledge exchange and collaborative research and development project, initiated by Tristan Ferne, Senior Development Producer (R&D) at BBC Audio & Music Interactive. It draws together a...

    Funded by: AHRC

    Lead research organisation: Birmingham City University

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project explores online engagement with BBC radio programming, which could provide insights into the impact of podcasts on the UK radio market.

  • Radiodeck

    Internet radio has developed organically without agreed protocols, making distribution problematic for radio stations, and discovery a challenge for listeners. The generation of good quality, consistent metadata to descr...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: FESTIVAL PRODUCTIONS LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on internet radio and its discoverability, which could indirectly provide information about the scale and reach of the UK podcast market.