BBC Sounds has commissioned a series of podcasts from new talent, through its Audio Lab accelerator.
Hundreds of people applied to be on the programme, with just 5 getting through.
They’ve spent the last 8 months being mentored and embedded with one of Audio Lab’s 5 UK production partners to produce podcasts.
“It’s thrilling to present the next five Audio Lab titles as part of our second year programme,” said Khaliq Meer, Commissioning Executive, BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
“The creators have left no stone unturned, digging deep into their lives and experiences to produce unique stories and fresh reflections in surprising and imaginative ways, from across the UK. I hope listeners find these programmes and documentaries as moving and exhilarating as we have making them.
“This year we brought in production partners to enhance the experience even more, giving each creator a sense how world class podcasts are brought to life, as well as feel part of a team. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved together and l can’t wait to see what they do next, especially with the ongoing support and resources through the Radio Academy mentorship scheme we’re offering our creators.”
For this region, May Robson is behind Now Here, a BBC Scotland production which explores the stories of people coming together to fight back in the face of neighbourhood decline and neglect.
This ranges from a Liverpool pie shop reviving abandoned streets and a former mining village in South Wales reclaiming a radical past, to ‘citizen scientists’ exposing the slow death of the river Wye, and people opposing the slow death of London’s queer spaces.
Robson takes listeners from the Scottish Islands to the South of England across the 6-part series.
“I’m so excited to finally share this podcast. It’s been a rare opportunity to tell community stories that are shut out of the mainstream and make connections across the UK. I’ve enjoyed hanging out with 89-year old gardeners in Birmingham, queer activists in London and former miners in South Wales, and I hope you will too,” said May Robson, Audio Lab creator.
“Now Here would be nowhere without Audio Lab. The idea would still be floating around in my head. It’s been a wild ride – exciting, exhausting and eye-opening all at once. I’m very grateful to my team for their support and belief in me as a creator and presenter.”
In the North West, George Powell has produced Black Gold with the support of Long Form Audio, BBC News productions.
It looks at Stanlow Oil Refinery and its impact on the people living and working closest to it.
In Black Gold, Powell delves deep into Stanlow’s history, from fueling Britain’s economy, to a dramatic turning point during the recession in the 80s and losing half its work force, asking what is next for the aging petrochemical plant in the midst of a Green revolution.
“I’m utterly fascinated by the interrelation between how we live and the places around us, and knew that Stanlow Oil Refinery would be home to some incredible stories,” he explained.
“The oddity on the banks of the Mersey always threw up questions for me, every time I passed it on the motorway. From when I was younger and even still. I hope this podcast satisfies the curiosity of anyone else who may have questions about the place.
“Audio Lab gave me the incredible opportunity to make a podcast that attempts to answer some of the questions I had about Stanlow. It also gave me a huge insight into every stage of making a programme with the BBC, with the support and guidance of an industry leading-team.”
