The event was held on June 9th 2026 - at 6.30pm for 7.00pm
The Conduit, WC2H 9JA
Our Media Society panel unpacked the fast-evolving podcast landscape. From niche shows to blockbuster brands, podcasts are reshaping how audiences discover, listen and watch.
Event Description
Podcasts are no longer the new kids on the block – but they are still having a dramatic impact on the world of media.
Content creators generating specialist podcasts. New podcast companies producing highly successful new brands. And legacy media organisations launching podcasts to try to compete in the digital era.
Podcasts are also increasingly becoming video as well as audio-based programmes, and are increasingly being watched on YouTube on TV sets as well as on mobiles.
But what does this all mean for the future of the podcast industry?
Are there too many podcasts? What makes for a successful podcast? Should they be personality or issue led? How can you make money from them? Is the move to video good or bad? What impact is AI having?
Our event looked at these and other questions.
Panel:
Ritula Shah (Chair) - currently with Classic FM, she was formerly the main presenter of BBC Radio 4's flagship programme, The World Tonight. She also presented Woman's Hour and The World Today on the BBC World Service.
Adam Fleming - the lead presenter of the daily BBC ‘Newscast’ podcast and host of the culture-focused ‘AntiSocial’ podcast. Beyond audio, he is a broadcaster and journalist across BBC television. He has been the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent and Brussels reporter.
Chloe Straw - the Director of Operations at Goalhanger, the UK's largest independent podcast producer. Before joining the network, she was CEO of the industry body AudioUK, where she secured the audio sector's first seat on the Creative Industries Council. A prominent voice in the audio sector, she is well known for arguing for innovative approaches to IP and the commercial expansion of UK podcasts.
Nick Hilton - one of the UK's top current affairs podcast producers. Director and co-founder of the podcast production company Podot. Chief TV critic for the Independent. Former podcast editor and producer for the New Statesman and Spectator. Producer of the critically acclaimed ‘Movers and Shakers’ podcast.
This event is jointly organised by the Media Society and The Conduit.
Event Schedule
6:30pm: Pre-event socialising and networking
7:00pm: Panel discussion begins
8:00pm: Panel discussion ends
Networking drinks before and after the discussion event with pay bar.