The initiative aims to find up-and-coming Australian podcasters.
Announced in September, submissions are now open for funding to work alongside the creative team at ABC Audio Studios to produce distinctive Australian stories.
The ABC is looking for original and entertaining ideas that reflect contemporary Australian life, according to Head of ABC Audio Studios Kellie Riordan.
“We already have a growing list of popular podcasts covering a wide range of topics and subjects including comedy, lifestyle and real-life crime. What we are seeking through this fund is something unique – something we haven’t heard before.
“The pitches that will grab our attention will be ones that try different formats and feature different voices talking on diverse topics. They need to have a targeted or niche audience in mind – content that can find passionate followers who will share the word more widely in their specific communities.”
There will be a series of stages in the podcast submission process. The first submissions stage – open to all those who wish to pitch an idea – will run until November 17.
A shortlist of pitchers will then be invited to hone their ideas with some help and advice from members of the ABC team.
A final selection will be made early in the New Year when the successful podcasts will pitch directly to the commissioning panel. Those podcasts selected for either production or piloting will be announced in late February.
Head here to submit your idea.
The ABC is looking for podcasts that:
- Are original and entertaining
- Use a unique style and format
- Feature different voices talking about diverse topics
- Reflect contemporary Australia
- Appeal to a targeted and niche audience
- Can find passionate followers who will share the word
And are not looking for podcasts that:
- Duplicate the ABC’s current podcast output
- Directly promote a business or commercial activity
SUBMISSION DATES:
- Wednesday 25 Oct – Friday 17 November, 2017: Submissions open
- Friday 1 Dec – Friday 15 Dec: Shortlisting, followed by a one-on-one session with ABC Audio Executive Producer.
- Friday 5 Jan, 2018: Deadline for refined pitches to be submitted.
- Friday 19 Jan: Final round pitch selections made and parties notified.
- Monday 29 Jan – Friday, February 9: Direct pitch to Commissioning Panel
- Late February: Announcement of successful podcasts