This panel discussion will explore how podcasters can cultivate their audience over time, create valuable content that resonates with listeners, and effectively monetize their podcasts through contextual advertising. The conversation will emphasize sustainable strategies for independent podcasters, highlighting the significance of audience trust, developing relationships with listeners, and scaling monetization through targeted ad solutions. This panel session will combine tactical advice with broader, long-term strategies. It will stress the actual effort involved in developing a monetizable podcast and the patience needed for lasting success. The focus will be on growing alongside the audience, utilizing contextual advertising, and ensuring that ads feel integrated rather than intrusive. The aim is to empower podcasters to take actionable steps toward monetization without compromising the quality of their content or their audience’s trust.

Join The Economist’s Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” and senior audio editor, to learn more about how Economist podcasts come to life and how The Economist’s series help listeners make sense of the big news shaping the world. Featuring “Boss Class”, “Scam Inc” and “The Prince”

Three commissioners share how to pitch to the CBC, ABC, BBC and NPR and what they’re looking for in pitches and production teams. Whether you’re an independent, podcast company or potential media partner, find out how you can get your great story made.

Every great podcast is a blend of creativity and strategy—but what if data could make the creative process even stronger? This session will explore how analytics are helping podcasters and brands craft more engaging content by offering a deeper understanding of their audiences. From spotting trends in listener behavior to refining episode formats based on real engagement insights, we’ll discuss how data can act as a creative compass rather than a constraint. If you're looking to enhance your storytelling, optimize your format, or simply create content that resonates on a deeper level, this panel will show you how to turn analytics into an essential tool for innovation.

This is immersive ethical true crime, done differently. Where journalism meets narrative story telling, utilising our own generative AI solution to bring these stories to life, and truly bring a unique and immersive experience to our audience.
True Crime Reports by Al Jazeera brings you crime stories from the global south and beyond. Tales of corruption, power, and injustice that often haven’t reached headlines in the West, told by those who were there.

Our panel will reveal how we're transforming the video podcast landscape by:
● Visually Driven Storytelling: Using generative AI to create dynamic and engaging moving imagery that vividly illustrates our journalist host's narrative.
● Beyond the Studio: Moving beyond static conversations to deliver a truly cinematic podcast experience.
● Robust Journalism at its Core: Grounding our captivating narratives in thorough and ethical journalistic principles.
● Global South Focus: Amplifying important and often unheard stories from the global south.

Explorer, animal expert, and TV presenter Steve Backshall is going on his latest adventure...podcasting! As the host of the brand new show ‘That’s Just Wild’ alongside co-hosts wildlife biologist Lizzie Daly and eco journalist Sarah Roberts, Steve is creating a twice-weekly
podcast full of wildlife facts, unexpected filming stories and mind-blowing science. Oh, and discussing what its like to be farted on by a rhino.  

In a climate of bad news and intense discussion, from politics to the economy to, well, the climate itself, That’s Just Wild is the antidote to doom listening. Because who doesn’t love hearing more a fish with its gonads on its chin, how a porcupine’s spines work, or why sea otters are psychopathic?  

But how do you mix telling fun animal stories with making a science series that really bites? What does podcasting offer when nature content is normally all about amazing footage? How do three brilliant scientists complement each other in an audio show? And why did
producers Fresh Air – best known for branded content - decide this would be their first major original? 

We’ll be answering these questions, plus we’ll have a wildlife Q&A session with our audience, inspired by our extra non-human guest.

As the podcast industry matures, owning your technology and monetization strategy is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity. In this session, Öjje Holt (Director of Growth at Podspace) and Chris Peterson (Senior Advisor at Podspace and CEO of DWNLOAD Media) will discuss why networks need control over their distribution and revenue strategies and explain how Podspace provides the tools to facilitate this without forcing you into a walled garden. Big platforms don’t just limit your control - they also take a significant portion of your revenue. Rather than giving away half of your income & data, explore how partnering with the right technology allows you to keep more of what you earn, scale according to your own terms, and build a sustainable, high-growth podcast network for the future.

The podcast industry's trajectory leading up to the dramatic contraction of 2023 mirrors historical patterns seen in other digital media transformations. With the 20:20 hindsight we have today in 2025, we have a unique opportunity for critical analysis of what went wrong, and examination of how the industry should look going forward. While there are signs of recovery, layoffs are still happening and skilled professionals continue to seek their place in the restructured ecosystem. This moment of reflection and rebuilding presents an invaluable opportunity to extract actionable insights from our collective experience.

Join us for an in-depth look at how Arm, a leading semiconductor technology company, is leveraging its brand podcast Tech Unheard to build its brand identity, thought leadership platform and executive visibility. This session will explore how Arm worked with the production team at National Public Media to create a podcast that has informed, engaged and built a loyal community of listeners across key audiences. From the initial concept and production to the ongoing evolution of the podcast, we’ll explore the key elements that have contributed to its success and how the teams at Arm and NPM are bringing Tech Unheard to life.
 

More session details coming soon.

Podcasts have quickly become a powerful platform for storytelling, cultural exchange, and social impact in our interconnected world. Podcasting transcends borders, sparks global conversations, and gives a voice to local communities. As well as providing rich entertainment, podcasts are driving cultural change. Whether discussing true crime, mental health, or social issues, podcasts create strong connections between hosts and their audiences, making them a unique force in shaping public conversation. In the UK, podcasting has been particularly impactful for communities outside London, offering a platform for diverse and often underrepresented voices.

These shows, rich with local experiences and cultural nuance, reflect the vibrant diversity of the UK. Globally, podcasts are changing the way we consume media and bridging cultural divides. Shows like The Rest Is History and The Rest Is Politics take complex topics and make them accessible, sparking worldwide discussions on history, politics, and society. Their conversational, intimate style fosters a sense of community among listeners, turning podcasts into tools for education, advocacy, and deeper cross-cultural understanding, all whilst being incredibly engaging to listen to. In addition, the informal and flexible nature of podcasting challenges traditional media structures, reinforcing its cultural relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This panel will explore the impact of podcasting, offering valuable insights into how this medium fosters meaningful connections and drives global influence. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, join us to explore the cultural impact of podcasting - locally, nationally, and globally.

The lines between audio and video are blurring, and podcasting is evolving beyond just listening—it’s becoming a full visual experience. But what does this shift mean for creators, brands, and networks looking to maximize impact? In this session, industry experts will unpack how video is reshaping the podcast landscape—from expanding storytelling possibilities to increasing audience engagement and discoverability. We’ll dive into the strategic advantages of video-first content, how it influences listener behavior, and what data reveals about its effectiveness. Whether you’re experimenting with video or looking to optimize your current approach, this panel will provide actionable insights to help you harness the power of video and create a podcast experience that captivates audiences across platforms.

Curation is changing the game in Digital and Programmatic, using sophisticated data and analytics to build custom audiences based on consumer behavior and interests. But much of the podcasting and audio industry still operates around Audience Extension and targeting/placements based on channel or inventory. It’s time for a revolution - we’re calling for audio to expand how they think about Audience Extension and embrace Audience Curation for podcasts as the gold standard for accuracy, reach, and scale. In this session, we’ll explain how Consumable leverages existing podcast listener data to find new listeners and build larger audiences.

We'll explore how smart curation, through our podcast-powered intelligence, enables bigger podcast sales by leveraging the actual audience from the podcast to build the curation profile. During this session, you’ll learn how to: Unlock the Power of Your Podcast Audience: Discover how to leverage your existing listener base to create a highly valuable audience segment for targeted advertising. Expand Your Reach Beyond the Podcast: Learn how to extend your reach beyond your podcast and activate comprehensive media campaigns that resonate with your ideal audience across various channels. Maximize Revenue Potential: Understand how curation can drive bigger podcast sales and unlock new revenue streams by offering highly targeted advertising opportunities to brands.

Join us to discover how Consumable is paving the way in Podcast Audience Curation to deliver at scale, unlocking new opportunities for efficiency and effectiveness. We'll look at real-world examples, discuss opportunities for implementation, and show you how to take full control of your podcast audience and advertising potential. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the audio revolution.