In the second podcast pitch callout for SBS, the broadcaster has called for Australian podcasters to submit ideas exhibiting originality and diversity in storytelling as part of its campaign to build on its podcast offering. The broadcaster’s podcast offering centres on providing news, information and entertainment in more than 60 languages.
With the broadcaster on the hunt for more original ideas, David Hua, director of audio and language content at SBS, said “As SBS’s audio offering continues to grow, we are increasingly focused on using podcasts as an engaging way to tell diverse stories and share new ideas.”
The callout is open to podcasters at any level of experience, and podcasts in different languages or that are multilingual are encouraged to be submitted. Those that are shortlisted will work with the SBS Audio & Language podcast team, to focus on developing the idea to a potential commission.
Noting the success of SBS’s first podcast pitch in 2021, with commissions including Bad Taste, New Home, My First Year on Aussie Soil, Noongar Wellbeing, Our Deaf Ways, Chinese-ish, Transitioning in Translation, Mother Country, Harmful and Conversations on Country, David Hua said: “As Australia’s multicultural and Indigenous broadcaster, SBS is committed to ensuring all Australians hear their stories reflected and on demand, audio is a key opportunity to showcase this.”
In 2008 SBS launched its first podcast and has since grown its podcast collection amassing more than 45 million unique downloads in 2020. SBS has produced award-winning podcasts, including Eyes on Gilead, My Arab Identity, My Bilingual Family, Great Minds, SBS Learn English, Australia Explained (now in 12 languages) and The Uluru Statement from the Heart in your language.
Submissions are now open and will close on Monday 12 September 2022. All ideas must be submitted via the online form on the SBS website.