U S I N G

Y O U R

V O I C Epodcasts by mhp

Podcasts are by no means a new thing, but they are more popular than ever. The numbers of podcasts being produced and people listening to them grows every year as the shift to on demand media becomes even more common.

Podcasts are a brilliant means of speaking directly to the people that matter most to you. They can be formal and informative or light-hearted and entertaining. Podcasts can be whatever you want them to be – and they don’t have to cost the earth to produce.

MHP Communications already produces its own regular On Message podcast which looks at the sectors we work in through the lens of the communications industry. We would like to help you produce your own podcasts too – or improve the ones you are already making.

This brochure aims to explain the benefits of podcasting, highlight the practicalities of making them and give you a range of options for getting us to help you get started in this great form of communication.

Podcasts are more popular than ever. There is real value for your brand or organisation using a channel which is highly effective in terms of reaching your audience and generating far higher levels of engagement than radio, TV or newspapers. People make an active choice to listen to a podcast – they aren’t just on in the background.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

10%of UK adults downloaded and listened to a podcast

every week in 2017

W H Y M A K E A P O D C A S T ?

Voice - Podcasts give you a distinctive voice and are an effective way of communicating

Podcasts are more popular than ever – 10% of UK adults listen every week (Ofcom)

They are a contemporary alternative to reports and corporate videos

Podcasts are suitable for either internal or external communications

They are flexible – listen anywhere and ideally suited to smartphones

“ Making a podcast with MHP was a fun and fascinating experience. I hope to do plenty more.”

M A T T H E W E L L I O T Senior Fellow, Legatum Institute

You control the message – you are not bound by a third-party agenda

Give your organisation’s spokespeople experience of a studio setting

Market your services to a new audience – ahead of your competitors

Podcasts are fun, interesting and give brilliant value for money

More than 25% of UK adults have listened to a podcast

Podcasts show off your own people, your clients and your influencers

MHP’s podcast team uses former BBC editorial and production specialists

“ I loved making a podcast with MHP and I want to do more of them.”

H O L LY M A R S H A L L Director of Corporate Affairs, Aldermore Bank

G E T T I N G S T A R T E D

There are several issues to consider before you make your first podcast. MHP Communications’ experienced team will help guide you through the process and produce the first episode.

Our introductory session lasts two hours and aims to cover the following points:

• Subject matter – what do you want to talk about?

• Speakers – who should take part?

• Tone and purpose – what are you hoping to achieve and who is it for?

• Music, branding, website – what will your podcast look and sound like?

• Studio – do you record in a studio or at your offices?

• Distribution – how do you share your podcast with the target audience?

• Budget – production costs vary, how much do you want to spend?

E P I S O D E O N EOur introductory package combines a two-hour planning meeting with a separate recording session where we will help you produce your first podcast.

Using a professional studio in central London, we will help you to get your first episode in the can. We will use the briefing agreed at the preliminary session to ensure your podcast is a fantastic reflection of your personality, expertise and professionalism. Once you are up and running MHP can help you to create a series of regular podcasts and we offer discounts if you would like us to record a regular podcast either quarterly or monthly.

Our BBC- trained studio manager and editor Nick Carter will guide you through all the technical elements and then mix and edit the finished podcast, ready to be loaded on to a streaming platform like SoundCloud or iTunes.

25%of UK adults have listened to a podcast

T H E T E A M

We are lucky to have two former BBC producers in our team to help you get started with your podcast.

A DA M B AT S TO N EAdam is a Director with MHP who joined us after a 20-year career with BBC News. While at the BBC Adam worked in radio, TV and the BBC News website where he was responsible for audio and video on demand content.

He has first-class experience producing radio programmes for Radio 4 and 5 Live as well as contributing to many of the BBC’s original podcasts – many of which have gone on to be some of the most popular on demand programmes in the UK.

Since joining MHP, Adam launched our On Message podcast which looks at different sectors from the perspective of the communications industry. Adam is available to act as a host for your podcast.

N I C K C A R T E RNick is the Creative Director for Mixsonix Audio Production and has worked for both commercial and BBC radio for many years, helping to define the sound of some of the UK’s favourite radio networks. He is a self-confessed audio and podcast junkie who loves helping people to produce great sounding content. As an experienced sound designer, Nick can also help create original music and themes for your podcast.

42%of podcast fans say it is their preferred form of on demand listening (Ofcom)

C O N TAC T

For more information about podcasts and the services available from MHP Communications contact Adam Batstone by email or telephone:

media@mhpc.com020 3128 8100

B U D G E T

MHP offers different packages for podcast production, ranging from basic introductory session and first podcast recording to a retained contract which will guarantees the production of a new podcast every month. Detailed prices are subject to the exact nature of your requirements.

B U D G E T & C O N T A C T

6 Agar StreetLondonWC2N 4HN 020 3128 8100

mhpc.com @mhpc