UK

More than 400 podcasting and audio companies across the UK have united to urge the government to recognise their sector as part of the UK’s Creative Industries.

The open letter, led by AudioUK and signed by producers, studios and networks representing around 12,000 people, calls for formal recognition of podcasting and audio as a stand-alone creative industry with access to the same support as other cultural sectors.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has now confirmed plans to commission a major research study to collect data on the UK’s podcasting and audio landscape, with results expected in 2026. The study will examine the industry’s size, workforce and economic impact, covering podcasting, radio and audiobooks.
AudioUK says this marks a significant step towards building the evidence needed for future policy change and targeted support. The organisation is also working with DCMS to create a dedicated SIC code to classify podcasting and audio companies, which currently sit under unrelated business categories.
Chloe Straw, Chief Executive of AudioUK, said the industry’s rapid expansion and cultural importance demand proper recognition. “Podcasting and audio have become central to how audiences experience storytelling, journalism and entertainment,” she said. “It creates jobs across the UK and brings British stories to international audiences. Despite this growth, government policy has not kept pace with its impact.”
Among the sector’s key requests are a seat for an audio representative on the Creative Industries Council, a dedicated tax relief scheme, and a new IP Development Fund to encourage innovation and exports.
AudioUK’s full open letter and campaign report, along with the list of signatories, are available at audiouk.org

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Classic FM will once again offer a calming retreat for pets and their owners as fireworks season begins, with the return of its annual Pet Classics programmes.

The two shows air on Bonfire Night, Wednesday 5 November from 5pm to 9pm with Dan Walker, and on Saturday 8 November from 5pm to 9pm with Charlotte Hawkins, timed to coincide with the noisiest nights of the year.
Now in its eighth year, Pet Classics is designed to help anxious animals relax, featuring a carefully curated mix of soothing classical music and advice from the RSPCA. The charity says almost two-thirds of pet owners report that their animals are affected by loud fireworks, and that playing calm music is one of the most effective ways to help them settle.
New for this year, Charlotte is also hosting a weekly Pet Classics series every Friday at 9pm until the end of October. The programmes are being sponsored for the first time by Go.Compare Pet Insurance.
Dan said: “It’s such a special programme to present. It’s always lovely to hear what our listeners and their pets are up to, but it’s also about the calming classical music and the practical advice for anyone who might be struggling.”
Charlotte added: “We know that classical music has a positive and calming effect on humans and animals, and I can’t wait to see that in action through the thousands of photos and videos we receive.”
Classic FM’s Deputy Managing Editor Joseph Zubier said the partnership with the RSPCA continues this year, adding that Pet Classics “brings the perfect mix of music, comfort and community to listeners and their pets.”

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Folded Wing’s BBC Radio 3 show Round Midnight has been named Jazz Media Award winner at the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Hosted by saxophonist and composer Soweto Kinch, the late-night weekday show launched last year and has become BBC Radio 3’s flagship jazz programme, blending live sessions, festival recordings and new music from the UK and beyond.
The Parliamentary Jazz Awards recognise the breadth and creativity of the British jazz scene, celebrating artists, broadcasters and producers who champion the genre.
Karen Pearson, CEO and Founder of Folded Wing, said the team were proud of the recognition. “To be nominated for Round Midnight in its first year of programming is testament to the hard work the Folded Wing team and Soweto put in each night.
Thank you to the listeners, the jazz world for embracing and supporting the show and BBC Radio 3 and Sam Jackson for believing in us.”
Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, added that Round Midnight had “gone from strength to strength”, calling the award “a richly deserved reflection of their hard work, creativity, and commitment to the vibrant British jazz scene”.
The show’s collaboration with BBC Introducing has helped spotlight emerging musicians, with guests such as corto.alto and Emma Rawicz later earning national recognition and award wins. Other guests this year have included Zara McFarlane, Mark Kavuma, and Rivkala, alongside international names like Theo Croker and Joe Webb.
Folded Wing, based in Southend, with team members in London, Coventry, Oxford and Newcastle, is known for producing programmes across BBC networks and beyond. The company continues to grow its reputation as one of the UK’s most active producers of jazz content.
Two Southend-connected artists also featured among this year’s nominees: saxophonist Maddy Coombs and vocalist Olivia Cuttill, who won The Martin Hummel Award, both of whom performed at last week’s Southend Jazz Festival in association with Folded Wing.

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The BBC has asked Ofcom to remove the requirement to report how many hours of live commentary are provided for each sport on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The proposal would not change the BBC’s obligation to cover at least 20 different sports every year and to publish which ones are included. That condition will remain in place to ensure transparency and maintain the station’s distinctive coverage.
The BBC says that reporting the number of commentary hours for each sport creates unnecessary administrative work and offers little additional value, as most of this information is already available through published schedules.
Ofcom agrees the data adds limited benefit and has confirmed it is minded to accept the request.
If approved, the change would reduce the amount of detailed reporting required by the BBC while keeping existing commitments to a broad and varied sports offer on Radio 5 Live.

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The BBC wants to change the hours that count towards its quota for locally made programming on BBC Local Radio.

It has asked Ofcom to allow only shared programmes broadcast outside 6am to 2pm on weekdays to count towards its annual target of 4,954 hours of original, locally made content.
The change would allow BBC Local Radio stations to focus resources on producing more local programmes during higher listening hours, especially weekday mornings, rather than maintaining local production at times of lower audience levels.
The proposal would not affect the BBC’s commitment to provide local news bulletins, which will continue to air throughout the day.
Ofcom says the request would help bring more locally made programming to larger audiences while giving the BBC flexibility in lower-listening periods. The regulator has said it is minded to approve the change.
The plan forms part of ongoing adjustments to BBC Local Radio schedules, where stations already share some programmes in the afternoons and evenings but continue to offer local news and travel updates throughout the day.

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BBC Asian Network is introducing a new speech and current affairs programme as part of its updated schedule from Monday 27 October.

The new show, Asian Network Trending, will air every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm, offering a two-hour deep dive into the week’s most talked-about topics and issues affecting British Asians.
The first hour will cover the biggest trending stories of the week, while the second will focus on a specific subject with guests joining to add insight and context.
The show will rotate presenters, beginning with broadcaster, DJ and producer Amber Haque, known for her work with BBC Three, Channel 4 and BBC Sounds.
In other schedule changes, Asian Network’s New Music Show with DJ Limelight moves to Monday evenings from 8pm to 10pm, followed by Asian Network Motivation from 10pm to 11pm. One More Chai will move to Tuesday nights at 10pm.
Head of Asian Network Ahmed Hussain said the new show was designed to give space for thoughtful and relevant conversation. “It’s a bold new space for speech, discussion and current affairs that reflects the voices, concerns and passions of British Asians today,” he said.
“It’s a unique platform where trending topics meet cultural nuance, and where our presenters and guests can explore issues with real depth, honesty and flair.”

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