Special thanks to Peter Niegel, CEO & General Manager of Radio Days Europe, and Nessa McGann, independent media consultant and member of the Programming Committee for Radio Days Europe, for their support and making it possible to attend the event.
Attending Radio Days Europe 2025 was an incredible opportunity for Radio Lab volunteer Emma Stitgter, made possible through the Youth Fund Scheme. This initiative supports young professionals eager to learn from industry leaders, explore innovations in radio and podcasting, and connect with like-minded creatives. Thanks to this sponsorship, Emma was able to experience first hand some of the most insightful discussions shaping the future of the industry.
Among the many engaging sessions, two standout talks left a lasting impression:
The Future of News Podcasting in the UK
One of the most thought-provoking discussions was “The Future of News Podcasting in the UK,” featuring:
- Tony Pastor, Co-Founder of Goalhanger
- Dino Sofos, CEO of Persephonica
- Sam Bonham, Senior News Editor at BBC News
The panel explored the evolution of news podcasting and the strategies needed to engage audiences in a fast-changing media landscape. Tony and Dino emphasized the need to move beyond traditional norms and focus on building relationships with listeners.
They also reflected on the 2024 UK elections, when the Euros dominated media attention, causing a drop in ad revenue despite audience growth. Their solution? Leveraging TV platforms to expand their reach across different demographics.
Sam Bonham highlighted the rise of visual podcasting, noting that many major news podcasts now perform better on YouTube than on Spotify and Apple combined. This shift suggests that putting podcasts in front of the camera is key to future growth.
Another key takeaway was the success of Persephonica’s subscription model, which offers exclusive perks like ad-free episodes, merchandise, and live show invitations. This approach has strengthened audience engagement, with listeners saying they feel more connected to the content and the creators.
The discussion also touched on whether newcomers can still break into the news podcasting space. While some expressed concerns about competition, Tony Pastor remained optimistic, stating that authenticity, personality, and a unique voice are the most important ingredients for success—regardless of company size.
Top 10 Radio Promotions – Insights from Niall Power
Another highlight was Niall Power’s session on Top 10 Radio Promotions, which showcased some of the most creative and engaging campaigns from radio stations worldwide. As Head of Station Sound at Beat 102-103, Niall shared innovative ways radio stations are keeping audiences entertained and engaged. Some of the standout promotions included:
- Tat for Taylor (Beat 102-103, Ireland) – Listeners had to get a Taylor Swift tattoo to win concert tickets.
- $10,000 Beer Race (Gold 104.3, Australia) – A high-stakes street race where contestants had to avoid spilling their beer.
- Paper Planes (Ant 1 Radio, Cyprus) – A competition where listeners launched paper planes into a car for a chance to win.
- Giant Detention (BBC Radio 1, UK) – Presenters were locked in a school-style endurance challenge, racing to break a secret code.
- Underdogs (Fox 101.9, Australia) – A campaign that brought bullied kids back into sports, culminating in a stadium event.
Niall’s biggest takeaways? The best radio promotions aren’t about big budgets—they’re about bold ideas, simple mechanics, and storytelling that keeps audiences engaged. He also emphasized the “serial effect”—giving listeners a reason
Final Thoughts
For Radio Lab (and for Emma personally), Radio Days Europe 2025 was an exciting look at where radio and podcasting are headed. These standout sessions reinforced the importance of innovation, audience connection, and storytelling in an evolving media landscape. Whether through visual podcasting, creative promotions, or deeper listener engagement, the world of audio is changing fast—and Radio Lab is excited to be part of that transformation.