The Media Club · 17 May 2022 · 43 min
Thank you, Malmö: Radiodays Europe 2022
- Radio Presenter Skills
- Radio vs Digital Platforms
- Podcasting Industry
- Radiodays Europe 2022
- Talent Development
- Streaming Wars in Audio
- BBC Radio 2
- Podcast Pitching
In this special episode recorded at Radiodays Europe 2022 in Malmö, host Matt Deegan interviews radio industry figures about the state of the medium. Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, and Stephanie Hirst, presenter at Hits Radio, discuss what makes a great radio presenter, the importance of authenticity and relatability, and how radio competes with platforms like TikTok and YouTube for talent. Julie Shapiro, VP of Editorial at PRX and Radiotopia, shares insights into the US podcasting landscape and offers advice on crafting successful podcast pitches. Regulars James Cridland and Paul Robinson join for a discussion on the future of podcasting, including the potential for a streaming war in audio and the role of platforms like Spotify and YouTube. The episode also features a media quiz segment.
Key takeaways
- Helen Thomas and Stephanie Hirst discussed the qualities of a great radio presenter, emphasising authenticity, relatability, and the importance of listening.
- Julie Shapiro shared insights into PRX and Radiotopia's model, highlighting the importance of ownership, persistence, and having a game plan for podcast pitches.
- James Cridland and Paul Robinson debated the future of podcasting, including the potential for a streaming war and the role of platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
- The episode was recorded at Radiodays Europe 2022 in Malmö, featuring interviews with industry leaders and a media quiz segment.
- The BBC announced plans for Radio 2 Live in Leeds and a partnership with The One Show for a 'Go Green' initiative.
In this episode
- Introduction and Listener Survey
- Interview with Stephanie Hirst and Helen Thomas
- Interview with Julie Shapiro
- Podnews Discussion with James Cridland and Paul Robinson
- Media Quiz: Name That Story
- Outro and Patreon Plug
Notable quotes
“Authenticity wins every time. The listeners will see straight through you.”
“The key is always listen. If you've got the next question written down that you're going to go to, maybe that's not the right question to ask next.”
“I think we're heading into a golden age of radio. I think personality radio is really back now because, you know, there's Spotify and then podcasts coming into the arena. Whereas what we've got with radio is humans and they haven't got humans.”
“It's a huge dining room table with 1,200 chairs around it.”
“The three P's of podcasting. It doesn't come quick, contrary to popular belief, where you just put out a show and immediately it's got a million listeners.”
Discussed
BBC Radio 2 · PRX · Radiotopia
Mentioned or recommended
- Radiodays Europe 2022
- PopMaster
- Ear Hustle
- 99% Invisible
- This American Life
- The Moth
- Doctor Who
- Sex Education
- Eurovision Song Contest 2022
- Wagatha Christie trial
- Piers Morgan Uncensored
- Radio 2 Live in Leeds
- Glastonbury Festival
- The One Show
