The Radio Academy Festival returns on Sept. 17 at the Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park, London, with the theme World of Sound. The event will bring together international talent, pioneering technology and practical insights into the future of audio.
Hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenter Jack Saunders, Hits Radio’s Stephanie Hirst, Absolute Radio’s Dan Noble, Magic Radio’s Neev Spencer and Lady Unchained from the Prison Radio Association, the festival will explore podcast visualization, music curation, sustainable revenues, AI in audio and creativity in an age of automation.
Headline speakers include British-American podcaster and documentary-maker Louis Theroux in conversation with Phil Maguire, OBE, CEO of the United Kingdom-based Prison Radio Association; Christian O’Connell, a former Absolute Radio presenter who now fronts a national breakfast show on Australia’s ARN Gold Network; and June Sarpong, OBE, a British TV presenter and former BBC director of creative diversity, discussing pioneering BBC broadcaster Una Marson.
Psychologist and broadcaster Dr. Sian Williams, alongside University of Westminster neuroscientist Catherine Loveday, will examine the impact of music on the mind, while Dan McQuillin, managing director of U.K.-based Broadcast Bionics, will discuss radio in the AI era.
With its theme of World of Sound, it promises a universal perspective on the future of the audio industry
Radio Academy MD Dixi Stewart
The Dolby Library
Other sessions will feature Valerie Geller, a U.S. broadcasting consultant known for her work on compelling audio, Ros Atkins, a BBC journalist noted internationally for his analysis videos, and Laura Fisher from U.K.-based MIDiA Research on lessons for streaming. The festival will also celebrate award-winning work from the Arias, the U.K.’s Audio and Radio Industry Awards, including Times Radio, News UK’s national speech station, sports broadcaster talkSPORT, Greatest Hits Radio from Bauer Media and BBC Radio 3.
New this year is the Dolby Library, an immersive space featuring acoustic art, a climate change soundscape, and demonstrations of sonic branding and Dolby Atmos. Delegates will also be able to book one-to-one conversations with leaders from global and regional audio companies including Acast, Spotify, Bauer, Podimo and Audible.
Showcasing trailblazers
Perminder Khatkar, co-chair and ARIAS stage producer, said, “The Radio Academy Festival is a global industry event that brings audio professionals together. You’ll be inspired, hear fresh ideas and learn new ways of working.”
Executive producer Chris North added, “Across the Festival, ARIAS and Impact Stages — and in our dazzling new Dolby Library — we’ll showcase the trailblazers reshaping the industry. Expect bold ideas, powerful stories and fresh perspectives on how audio inspires change.”
Radio Academy MD Dixi Stewart said, “The Radio Academy Festival is the annual highlight for anyone working in audio. With its theme of World of Sound, it promises a universal perspective on the future of the audio industry.”
The festival is supported by Arqiva, Audible, BBC Sounds, Broadcast Bionics, PPL and PRS for Music.
The Radio Academy Festival tickets are available here.
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