About this episode
The episode discusses the rise of visual podcasts and the closure of long wave broadcasting, featuring insights from BBC Sounds' Managing Editor and fans of a popular podcast.
The BBC has just released a new raft of visualised podcasts - podcasts productions that you can watch as well as listen to. Some are being released on YouTube and some on iPlayer, but all have audio-only versions available on BBC Sounds too. It's part of a strategy to grow listenership beyond the audiences that usually listens to linear radio. But is it where everything is ultimately headed? Andrea Catherwood talks to Jonathan Kanagasooriam, Managing Editor for Podcast Strategy and Video Podcasts at BBC Sounds, about how he's catering for those who like to watch podcasts. And the closure of long wave has been set for the end of this year - we hear an update from the BBC. Finally, we hear from two fans of the longrunning Elis James and John Robins podcast, which has a home on BBC 5 Live. It's been on the airwaves for years, but a recent announcement has indicated that the pod is now moving visualised versions of their recordings behind a paywall on Patreon. Longtime listeners Emma and Chris give their take. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David Prest A Whistledown Scotland Production for BBC Radio 4
People in this episode
Host: Andrea Catherwood
Guest: Jonathan Kanagasooriam
Topics covered
- visual podcasts
- podcast strategy
- long wave closure
- Elis James and John Robins
- audience growth
- BBC Sounds
Keywords
- visual podcasts
- BBC Sounds
- long wave
- Elis James
- John Robins
- Patreon
- podcast strategy
- audience growth
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC, BBC Sounds, BBC 5 Live, Patreon
More episodes of Feedback
- Fergal Keane, Doing Death Differently, and Visualisation · May 8, 2026 · 28 min
- Radical with Amol Rajan. Faith, Hope and Glory. Interview of the Year · April 16, 2026 · 28 min
- Broadcasting House, and When It Hits the Fan · April 9, 2026 · 28 min
- News coverage of Iran, Woman's Hour Follow Up, and Miss Marple · April 2, 2026 · 29 min
- Woman's Hour, Liza Tarbuck and Desert Island Discs · March 26, 2026 · 28 min
- Inside Health, Radio 4 Extra, and Jeremy Bowen on Today. · March 19, 2026 · 28 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Feedback podcast page.