LaunchPod is launched by Wisebuddah and Acast

London, UK—Acast, the world’s leading podcast technology platform, and award-winning production company Wisebuddah are joining forces to create LaunchPod: the UK’s first ever large-scale podcast competition, in a bid to find the UK’s new podcast star.

The competition, which aims to help talented creators get their podcast idea off the ground, is open to anyone in the UK who thinks they might have the next Serial or My Dad Wrote a Porno up their sleeve. The winning podcaster will have the opportunity to professionally produce, launch and market their podcast with Wisebuddah and Acast.

To submit their idea, applicants should visit the website before 9pm on 18th June. All that’s needed is a description of the idea, an overview of the intended audience, and either a five minute audio sample or a short script.

The judges are: Jamie Morton, My Dad Wrote a Porno; Imriel Morgan, ShoutOut Network and host of Wanna Be podcast; Caroline Crampton, Head of Podcasts at the New Statesman, co-host of their SRSLY podcast and writer of podcast newsletter No Complaints; Clare Chadburn, Head of Development, Wisebuddah; and Susie Warhurst, UK Content Director, Acast. All are looking for original ideas that use the podcast medium to their advantage. It can be audio fiction, a comedy show, a panel show, a real-life investigation, a chat show or a completely new format. From the entrants, the panel will choose three semi-finalists who will be invited to work with a team of Wisebuddah and Acast experts to produce a pilot episode. These three pilots will be made available to the public, and listeners will vote for their favourite. The results will be taken into consideration by the judges who will pick an overall winner.

“We believe podcasting is special - it creates amazing communities, is a space for unique formats and gives those perhaps unheard elsewhere, a voice,” said Susie Warhurst, Acast’s UK Director of Content. “We know there are so many talented people out there who, with support from Acast and Wisebuddah, have the potential to launch a brilliant podcast. We’re really looking forward to receiving the entries.”

Clare Chadburn, Wisebuddah’s Head of Development, adds: “Podcasting is the home of some incredible personalities. Wisebuddah has nurtured and grown some of the UK’s best talent - from Bill Bryson to YouTubers Nicki and Sammy. Bringing ideas from conception to successful launch is what we are all about and we can’t wait to see the submissions. We hope that this competition inspires everyone with a creative idea, right across the country - whether you’re based in Shetland, St Ives or anywhere in between."

Competition judge, Jamie Morton of My Dad Wrote a Porno, says: “I am thrilled to be asked to help judge LaunchPod. From starting my own podcast from scratch a few years ago, I know how much work, time and effort goes into creating a podcast you’re really proud of. I can’t wait to delve in and discover the range of stories, formats and voices of the next generation of podcasting talent. There is so much creativity here in Britain so I’m so excited to get started.”

The winning podcaster, to be announced later this year, will work with Wisebuddah to bring their production to life over the course of 6-10 episodes. They’ll host their podcast on Acast and receive launch, content, artwork and promotional support from the Acast team.