 |
The Media Leader PodcastAuthor: The Media Leader
The Media Leader is the leading source of analysis, data, opinion and trends in commercial media and advertising.Hosted by senior reporter Jack Benjamin, we speak to senior industry leaders and rising stars about the key challenges media faces as part of our mission to stand up for courage, inclusion and excellence in media.Find out more at uk.themedialeader.com and subscribe to our daily newsletter. Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Marketing Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
Why audio is embracing video — with News Broadcasting's Dave Wilcox and Russell Pedrick
Episode 78
Sunday, 8 February, 2026
At the end of January, The Media Leader held its first ever Audio In Focus Week. The audio landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace – with growing digital audio audiences, and audio businesses moving into video production. So, we decided to dedicate an entire week’s worth of our coverage to exploring the innovations, strategies and voices shaping the media channel.The week was launched in partnership with Octave Audio, the digital audio marketplace owned by News Broadcasting.During the week, host Jack Benjamin sat down with Octave’s managing director Russell Pedrick, as well as News Broadcasting commercial director Dave Wilcox, at in News' London Bridge studio to discuss how the company’s audio offering has developed over the past year.Octave came under the full ownership of News UK last summer, after News bought out Bauer’s share. Bauer went on to launch its own digital audio marketplace, AudioXi.Pedrick was appointed MD in April ahead of the relaunch of Octave, and he’s since worked to expand the service to encompasses visual inventory as well, as News Broadcasting products talkSport, Times Radio, Virgin Radio and Talk Radio transform from radio and podcast shows to visual shows commonly watched online and on TV screens.Pedrick and Wilcox discussed audio's transition to video, Octave’s new AI product, and why they believe digital audio is undervalued in the current market. Hint: it involves needing better measurement standards. Highlights:5:03: Octave's strategic priorities7:31: Octave AI: balancing generative AI creative with desire for the human element12:04: Audio and video are merging, creating new commercial opportunities18:53: Embracing an omnichannel approach and a platform-led audience strategy24:04: Does podcasting need its own JIC?27:24: World Cup opportunity and why digital audio is undervaluedRelated articles:Octave MD reflects on how ‘audio is becoming a bit of a bolt on’ in podcastingPredictions for audio in 2026 from industry expertsWhy the 2026 World Cup should be the ultimate multi-channel showcase Rajar Q4 2025: Top Takeaways---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader
