400 signatures mark an urgent open letter to the government

Representing around 12,000 people across the UK, more than 400 podcasting and audio businesses have signed an open letter to MP Lisa Nandy (the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport) calling for urgent government recognition of podcasting and audio as a core Creative Industry.

Issued by AudioUK, the open letter highlights the sector’s rapid growth, cultural significance, and international impact, stating how the industry “is a rapidly growing commercial and cultural force – amplifying local voices while projecting British creativity and soft power on a global stage.”

The number of people listening to podcasts in the UK has more than doubled over the last 5 years, and is set to continue to grow exponentially, particularly among under 24s, the UK industry is one of the fastest growing Creative Industries in the world

In partnership with AudioUK, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has now confirmed plans to commission a major research study to quantify the podcasting and audio industry’s economic impact, a first step towards establishing the evidence base for policy change, with results expected in 2026. The study will examine the industry’s size, workforce, and economic impact, covering podcasting, radio and audiobooks.

The move comes as the UK podcast and audio industry continues to outperform its international peers and provides a vital platform for diverse British voices, while projecting British creativity and soft power on a global stage: the number of people listening to podcasts in the UK has more than doubled over the last 5 years, and is set to continue to grow exponentially, particularly among under 24s, the UK industry is one of the fastest growing Creative Industries in the world, exceeding 20 – 30% annual expansion rates versus the single-digit or mid-teens typical elsewhere, and it has a huge capacity for IP development and exploitation.

“It creates jobs across the UK and brings British stories to international audiences. Despite this growth, government policy has not kept pace with its impact.”

Chloe Straw

Chloe Straw, Chief Executive of AudioUK, said the industry’s rapid expansion and cultural importance demand proper recognition. “Podcasting and audio have become central to how audiences experience storytelling, journalism and entertainment,” she said. “It creates jobs across the UK and brings British stories to international audiences. Despite this growth, government policy has not kept pace with its impact.”

Key demands from the sector in the open letter included:

• Formally recognising podcasting and audio as stand alone Creative Industry.
• An audio representative on the Creative Industries Council, a dedicated tax relief scheme, and a new IP Development Fund to encourage innovation and exports.
• Targeted support, including a Tax Relief, a SIC code specifically for podcasting and audio, and an IP Development Fund, to fuel growth and investment, nationally and internationally.
• Commission a workforce and economic impact study of the podcast and audio sector as specified in the Creative Industries Sector Plan (this is currently in progress).
• To ensure future strategic plans fully incorporate the potential of podcasting and audio across skills, exports and regional development.