Organiser of The British Podcast Awards Matt Deegan joins as co-host. Spotify launch 'Sound Up' and buy Locker Room. Voting for the Ambies is now open. You can now download the Podclock.
Spotify is to hold a new round of Sound Up programs: a global program that gives under-represented podcasters the tools to boost their platforms and build their own shows. The website lists shows from previous Sound Up alumni and the full details about where they are taking part.
The first to announce is the Australia Sound Up Program, aimed at Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander podcasters. If that’s you, you’ve until April 19 to enter.
The company has also launched Behind The Mic, a new apprenticeship program coming later this year to support aspiring Black podcast producers. Three apprentices will become permanent Spotify employees as a result.
Spotify has bought Locker Room, an iOS-only live sports audio app. Like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces, it will let anyone host audio conversations. It’s to rebrand under a new name, and Gustav Söderström, chief R&D officer at Spotify, hints at integration with Anchor and Spotify’s podcasts