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, for example in the New York Festivals International Radio Awards.
One of AudioUK’s core pillars of activity is representation, by highlighting to policymakers the important contribution of the audio production sector to the UK’s creative economy. We have good relationships with the Government, Parliament, Ofcom and major broadcasters and publishing platforms.
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 jointly oversee the running of the Government-financed Audio Content Fund for independently-made PSB oprogrammes to be broadcast on commercial and community radio, having successfully led the case to set up the scheme.
AudioUK successfully applied for government funding to initially set up our Audiotrain programme.
We are also in regular dialogue with Ofcom on matters relating to its regulation of the BBC, as well as its regular reviews on public service broadcasting.
We also maintain dialogue with Parliament, including with relevant Select Committee inquiries.
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
– Extending the Audio Content Fund contestable scheme beyond its initial three-year pilot stage
– 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, takes account of new platforms such as BBC Sounds
– 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).
- Response to House of Lords Communications & Digital Committee on the Future Funding of the BBC – March 2022
- Soundwaves Audio Sector Bulletin – Autumn 2021
- AudioUK with Communications Chambers: Report on the Case for an Audio Production Tax Relief – July 2021
- Response to Ofcom consultation on the Market Impact of BBC Sounds – June 2021
- Response to Ofcom consultation on the future of public service media – March 2021
- Response to Ofcom call for evidence on the market impact of BBC Sounds – November 2020
- Submission to DCMS Select Cttee on the Future of Public Service Broadcasting – June 2020
- Submission to DCMS Select Cttee on the Impact of COVID-19 – June 2020
- Soundwaves Audio Sector Bulletin – Summer 2019
- Submission to House of Lords Communications Cttee inquiry into PSB in the age of Video-on-Demand – April 2019
- Response to consultation on Ofcom’s proposed approach to assessing the BBC’s compliance with its Public Service commissioning requirements – September 2018
- Response to Ofcom consultation on holding the BBC to account for the delivery of its mission and public purposes – July 2017
- Response to DCMS consultation on Public Service Broadcasting Contestable Fund – February 2017
- Response to DCMS BBC Charter Review Green Paper – October 2015
- Response to the BBC Trust Radio Network Supply Review – May 2010