Spotify launches applications for annual Sound Up podcast programme

This year will be the third annual Sound Up programme, after hosting 10 women and non-binary people in 2018's London course, and another group of 10 for last year's programme in Manchester.

Ahead of this year's applications, Spotify conducted research with "1,000 women in the UK who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic". Of those 1,000 people, 74% of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women and non-binary people feel underrepresented in the podcast industry. Out of the top 100 podcasts in the UK, only 5% are hosted by BAME women or non-binary people.

This year's Sound Up programme, which is "designed to help aspiring underrepresented aspiring podcasters break into the industry and amplify their voices", will be hosted slightly differently than previous years. The 2020 programme will be split into two parts - the first phase is an online four-week course taking place from 12 October to 6 November. Those that perform well will then be invited back for an in-person course in 2021. The press release states, "To ensure everyone has equal access to technology, Spotify will be providing computers, WiFi access, and podcast recording equipment to participants."

Natalie Tulloch, the Sound Up Global Lead at Spotify said, "Sound Up is one of the many ways we are looking to amplify underrepresented voices, and tackle inequity. Sound Up gives underrepresented communities the right resources and support to get their voices heard and pave the way for the next generation of podcasters. We’ve seen incredible success stories emerge since Sound Up’s start in 2018, and I can’t wait to see what this year brings us."