Welcome to BBC Academy Live's Future Of events page
The Future Of events explore different areas of the creative industry and how they might look in years to come.
Register to join the Future of Podcast LivestreamThe Future of Podcast - Wednesday 22nd April
Taking place in London and online, this event is for those shaping, creating, or curious about the next era of audio where you’ll join leading creatives and industry voices as we explore themes such as how podcasts are evolving across stage and screen; what ethical AI looks like in podcasting; and where new global growth opportunities are emerging.
You’ll hear insights from leaders from BBC Sounds,Bauer Media, Rusty Quill, Platform Media (The Traitors: Uncloaked; Pop Top 10), FlightStory (The Diary of a CEO; Begin Again), and more!
This event is for current and aspiring podcast creators; industry professionals and creatives; and those interested in the future landscape of audio.
Livestream registration
We are now fully booked to attend in-person but you can still be part of the day online.
Schedule: Morning sessions
Welcome and Introductions
The future of Podcast
Step into the future of audio with some of the podcast world’s most influential voices. In this dynamic panel, industry leaders come together to unpack the bold decisions shaping what’s next and exploring how today’s strategies are laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s growth.
Chair
Panel
Video Podcasts – Or Should We Just Call It Video?
With platforms increasingly optimising for video, podcasting is entering a new era. This session examines the key ingredients of successful video podcasts and considers the ongoing role—and value—of audio-only formats.
Chair
Panel
Schedule: Afternoon sessions
The AI revolution in podcasting: Tools, trends & ethics
As AI becomes embedded across the audio and video ecosystem, it’s driving both innovation and disruption. This session examines how AI is influencing production workflows, audience growth, and content strategy—while also tackling critical issues around transparency, bias, and intellectual property. What does responsible AI adoption look like for the podcast industry?
Chair
Panel
Don't just listen, belong: Community building 101
How can we foster a sense of belonging? As video platforms, algorithms, and clip culture increasingly determines what audiences see, we explore strategies that build active communities who share, connect, and thrive with you.
Chair
Panel
Past events:
Journalism, Media and Technology Trends and Predictions 2026
You can watch back the session with Nic Newman, Senior Research Associate at the Reuters Institute, that took place on Friday 28th January 2026!
Confidence in the prospects for journalism is at an all-time low. Attacks (and legal threats) from politicians, uncertainty over AI, chatbots, low trust, and new competition from creators are some of the underlying reasons. Video formats are eating consumer attention. How should the BBC and wider media respond to these trends? How can the BBC and wider media use AI in terms to maximise opportunities while minimising risks? Where are other publishers placing their bets?
