Policy

UK independent audio production companies are responsible for many of the most critically-acclaimed UK podcasts, audiobooks and radio programmes. UK audio companies are also successful internationally, distributing podcasts and selling expertise and formats.

One of AudioUK’s core pillars of activity is representation, including highlighting to policymakers the important contribution of the audio production sector to the UK’s creative economy. We have good relationships with Government, Parliament, Ofcom and major broadcasters and publishing platforms as well as other trade bodies. This has led to many positive outcomes.

We successfully put the case for, and jointly oversaw the running of, the Government-financed Audio Content Fund for independently-made PSB programmes to be broadcast on commercial and community radio, having successfully led the case to set up the scheme.

We also successfully applied for government funding to initially set up our Audiotrain programme.

AudioUK was a member of the DCMS Broadcasting, Film, and Production Working Group which ran from 2020-21, drawing on its expert advice to create guidelines for safe working in audio production during the COVID-19 pandemic.We also ensured audio production was included in lesgislation with outlined the professional activities permitted to involve travel outside the home during the pandemic.

AudioUK is a member of the Educational Recording Agency (ERA) and sits on its Board.

Our current policy priorities include:

– Putting the case for the Government to introduce an AudioProduction Tax Relief (APTR) to take advantage of the growing

international investment in mediums such as podcasting

– Seeking to protect members’ IP through our membership of the Creative Industries Council’s IP Working Group

– Exploring ways to reinstate the Audio Content Fund contestable scheme, which concluded its three-year pilot in 2022

– Securing greater investment into audio production skills and training to ensure the UK is in the best position to serve the growing

audience for podcasts and audiobooks

– Ensuring that the BBC’s regulation, as undertaken by Ofcom, serves to foster creative competition

– Securing the future of the BBC’s radio and audio services in the light of discussions on its future funding model

For more information contact our Policy & Regulation Lead, Tim Wilson

Our report, produced with leading consultancy Communications Chambers, highlights the case for an Audio Production Tax Relief (APTR). You can read the full report here.

Policy Papers

You can find below our most current policy papers, plus a selection of those relating to particularly significant previous consultations.

Note that all papers prior to July 2018 were submitted under our previous organisation name of Radio Independents Group (RIG).