BBC World Service International Podcast Competition 2021 for aspiring Podcasters.

Application Deadline: 22 January 2021.

This is the BBC World Service’s first ever international podcast competition. For 2021, it’s open to people living in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

Requirements

• To enter, you must be 18 years old or over, not already a professional in broadcast media or podcasting, and the idea you submit must not already exist as a podcast.
• BBC World Service are looking for the most creative, interesting and original podcast idea, which can be a success around the world. We’re particularly interested in ideas that resonate with women.

You can find out more about whether you are eligible to enter, and what we are looking for, by reading the terms and conditions.

What’s the prize?

The winning idea will become a BBC World Service podcast. You will produce it with the support of a BBC production team.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is an audio show, but you can download it and listen whenever you like. Podcasts are free from the restraints of traditional radio programmes: they can be any length, and they often have quite a personal, intimate tone, as many people like to listen to them on their own with headphones. They can be about anything, and any format – from discussion and debates, informal chats to investigative journalism and documentaries.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Suitability to work as a podcast – first and foremost, will the idea work as a podcast? Does this idea have the ability to become a brilliant podcast? Podcasts aren’t the same as radio programmes – does the idea have the correct tone and feel to work as a podcast? Will it attract a podcast audience?
• Distinctiveness – how original and creative is the idea? Is it unique?
• Resonance for international audiences – to what extent will the idea appeal to audiences around the world?
• Resonance for women – how successfully and creatively does the idea reflect women’s lives? Is it likely to appeal to women?
• BBC Editorial Guidelines – does the podcast meet the BBC’s editorial standards, including impartiality?
• Retention – is the idea likely to retain an audience? Will listeners be compelled to listen to episodes through to the end and to return for subsequent episodes? Will they want to recommend it to friends?
• Practicality – how likely is it the podcast will be possible to make in terms of access required or whether it works to a realistic timescale?
• Still relevant – the podcast mustn’t feel dated by later this year or beyond
• BBC World Service – does the podcast fulfil the BBC World Service’s global remit?
• Potential to be more than one season – does the idea have longevity?
• Scripted comedy or drama ideas will not be considered for this competition
• The entry must fulfil the Terms and Conditions

How does it work?

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form with a summary of your original podcast idea and upload a 2 minute piece of audio in which you describe what makes it distinctive.

Find out how to enter the BBC World Service International Podcast Competition by visiting our online entry form.

The competition opens 5 January and the closing date for submissions is 1300 GMT, 22 January 2021.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the BBC World Service International Podcast Competition 2021