FAQ
Audio Lab is for anyone who’s already started making podcasts or has some experience in narrative audio content. Additionally, you have a great idea that can’t be found anywhere else. This is your chance to make your big podcast over multiple episodes - with the help of award-winning audio producers and executives. You will start in July 2025 and be engaged full time for 7 months until January 2026. To find out more you can read the FAQs below and read the Job Advert.
Thinking of applying?
Get the lowdown from Audio Lab鈥檚 Class of 2022!
Your questions answered鈥�
How much experience do I need?
You should be at a stage in your audio making career where you will still benefit from training and support provided by Audio Lab and our production partners. You might be self-publishing audio or video content in personal or professional spaces or producing/presenting on community or internet radio. You may have some junior level audio production experience or have other content making skills that lend themselves to audio storytelling. You will still be at an early career stage where you will benefit from training and support provided by Audio Lab and its production partners.
Is there an upper age limit for Audio Lab?
Absolutely not. Audio Lab is open to all ages of candidate.
Can I apply if I am in full time study or work?
You will not be able to do this role whilst in other full time education or employment due to the nature of the programme being full time itself.
Do I need to live near the location I am applying for?
You will be expected to travel to the office location during your placement. For Glasgow/Belfast, Manchester (Salford) and London it is a minimum of 2-3 days a week. For Sheffield you will be in the office 5 days a week. You will need to base your decision on this. You will be responsible for cost of travel to your office as part of your regular commute. Please see application form for details around hybrid working.
Do our ideas have to be relevant to the locations offered?
Is Audio Lab looking for any specific genres or subjects?
We are not looking for any specific genres or subjects, we are looking for unheard stories that reflect the realities of people across the UK. We are open for ideas in most formats, including solo, cohost or panel presentation; interview and conversation based; narrative storytelling; investigative or montage and soundscape. It might be a one-off series of 4-6 episodes or ‘always on’ in feel and style. Due to production constraints, we don’t encourage original drama but we are open to all ideas and genres that feel fresh and are authentic to the subject.
Can I apply with a existing podcast that has been published elsewhere?
This isn’t possible, as the aim of Sounds Audio Lab is to help you to bring a new podcast idea to life.
Can two people apply?
It is not possible for more than one individual to apply for any one role.
Does my idea need to be presented by me?
Not necessarily, but we have found it works well to have you as one of the key voices of the podcast. An applicant can however pitch an idea with more than one presenter or host.
What tips can the Year 1 Creators give on how to build a successful application?
Adam Zmith says “Be bold and creative - make it something that only YOU could do. Be clear and concrete in your idea, not vague or abstract”. You can watch the webinar for more tips from the creators and check out some of the videos below.
Pitching your idea
Audio Lab alumni share their thoughts on building a strong application. Meet Talia Randall, Hamza Salmi, Adam Zmith, Tommy Dixon & Anouska Lewis.
What does 鈥楿ntold Stories & Fresh Perspectives鈥� mean to you?
What does 鈥楿ntold Stories & Fresh Perspectives鈥� mean to you?
How challenging was being both the Producer and Presenter of your podcast?
How challenging was being both the Producer and Presenter of your podcast?
What was your biggest learn at 成人快手 Sounds Audio Lab?
What was your biggest learn at 成人快手 Sounds Audio Lab?
Tommy Dixon explains how he brought his idea to life for his application
Tommy Dixon explains how he brought his idea to life for his application
Anouska Lewis explains why she became the voice of her podcast '成人快手town Boring?'
Anouska Lewis explains why she became the voice of her podcast '成人快手town Boring?'
Still have a question? Email us at audiolab@bbc.co.uk