Radio to Podcast Transition Pack

Five ready-to-use templates for UK radio journalists moving into independent podcasting — an audio editing workflow checklist, distribution platform setup guide, RSS feed setup, sponsorship disclosure statement, and monetisation options table.

Last reviewed: 13 June 2026Next review due: 13 December 2026

Note:These are templates and general guides — adapt them to your show and platform choices. Not legal or financial advice. Confirm current ASA CAP Code requirements before publishing sponsored content.

Who this pack is for

This pack is for UK radio journalists and presenters moving into independent podcasting — whether launching a companion show to existing broadcast work or starting an entirely independent project. It covers the practical workflow: editing audio to podcast standards, choosing a distribution platform, setting up your RSS feed, disclosing sponsorships compliantly, and planning realistic monetisation.

Guides reference NUJ Broadcasting guidance, RAJAR audience measurement context, Ofcom broadcast regulation boundaries, and the ASA CAP Code on sponsorship disclosure.

What’s in this pack

Five templates — copy, adapt, and use as you build your podcast.

Audio Editing Workflow Checklist

Pre-production through final export, adapted from radio practice for podcast standards.

Distribution Platform Setup Guide

Compares Acast, Buzzsprout, and Anchor for hosting and monetisation fit.

RSS Feed Setup

Explains RSS basics and the steps to get your show listed across directories.

Sponsorship Disclosure Statement

ASA CAP Code-compliant verbal and written disclosure wording.

Monetisation Options Table

Compares sponsorship, ad marketplaces, subscriptions, and affiliate income routes.

Template 1: Audio Editing Workflow Checklist

Use this to adapt your radio editing habits to podcast production standards.

AUDIO EDITING WORKFLOW CHECKLIST — RADIO TO PODCAST

Episode: [TITLE/NUMBER] | Date: [DATE]

PRE-PRODUCTION
[ ] Script or run-of-show prepared (podcasts can be more conversational than radio, but structure still helps)
[ ] Recording environment checked for noise/echo (podcast listeners are less forgiving of poor audio than broadcast, which has professional studio conditions)
[ ] Levels checked before recording (aim for consistent peak levels, avoid clipping)

RECORDING
[ ] Record each speaker on a separate track where possible (much easier to edit/balance than a single mixed track, unlike typical live radio output)
[ ] Record a few seconds of "room tone" (ambient silence) for noise reduction reference
[ ] Back up raw recordings immediately (local + cloud)

EDITING PASS 1: CONTENT
[ ] Cut dead air, false starts, and long pauses
[ ] Trim to target length (podcasts have more flexible length than radio slots, but still edit for pace)
[ ] Remove any content requiring legal review (defamatory claims, contempt risk, private information) — flag for a second pair of eyes if unsure

EDITING PASS 2: AUDIO QUALITY
[ ] Noise reduction applied where needed
[ ] Levels normalised across all speakers (loudness normalisation to industry-standard target, e.g. around -16 LUFS for podcasts, differs from broadcast loudness standards)
[ ] EQ/compression applied for clarity, avoiding over-processing
[ ] Music/sound effects levels balanced against dialogue (should not compete with speech)

FINAL CHECKS
[ ] Full listen-through at normal speed (not just skimming) before export
[ ] Export at platform-recommended format (typically MP3, 128-192kbps for spoken word)
[ ] File named consistently (e.g. [SHOWNAME]_EpXXX_[DATE].mp3)
[ ] Show notes drafted, including any required sponsorship disclosure (see template)

Recommended tools: Audacity (free), Adobe Audition, Descript, Hindenburg (purpose-built for podcast/radio editing).

Template 2: Distribution Platform Setup Guide

Compare Acast, Buzzsprout, and Anchor before choosing where to host your show.

DISTRIBUTION PLATFORM SETUP GUIDE — ACAST / BUZZSPROUT / ANCHOR COMPARISON

Use this to compare hosting platforms before choosing where to host your podcast RSS feed.

| Feature | Acast | Buzzsprout | Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost model | Free tier + ad marketplace revenue share on paid tiers | Free tier (limited) + paid tiers by hours uploaded | Free, integrated with Spotify |
| Monetisation | Built-in ad marketplace connecting shows with advertisers | Affiliate marketplace + your own sponsorship deals | Limited built-in monetisation tools; relies on your own sponsorship deals |
| RSS feed ownership | You typically retain feed portability | You retain feed portability | Feed portability historically more limited — check current terms |
| Analytics | Detailed listener analytics | Solid analytics dashboard | Spotify-specific analytics, strong for Spotify audience |
| Best suited to | Shows seeking ad revenue via marketplace at scale | Independent/DIY podcasters wanting simple hosting + affiliate options | Podcasters prioritising Spotify distribution and simplicity |

SETUP STEPS (GENERAL, APPLIES TO MOST HOSTS)
[ ] Create an account with your chosen host
[ ] Upload your show artwork (check required dimensions, typically 3000x3000px minimum)
[ ] Write your show description and select categories/tags for discoverability
[ ] Upload your first episode(s) with show notes
[ ] Copy your host-generated RSS feed URL
[ ] Submit your RSS feed URL to: Apple Podcasts Connect, Spotify for Podcasters, and other directories (Amazon Music, Pocket Casts, etc.)
[ ] Verify your show appears correctly in each directory after submission (can take 24-72 hours)

KEY QUESTIONS BEFORE CHOOSING A HOST
[ ] Can I export/move my RSS feed if I switch hosts later, without losing my episode back-catalogue or subscriber base?
[ ] What are the realistic monetisation options at my current audience size?
[ ] Does the host support dynamic ad insertion if I want to sell my own sponsorships later?
[ ] What analytics does the host provide, and are they IAB-certified (industry standard for reliable download counts)?

Template 3: RSS Feed Setup

Understand and set up the RSS feed that gets your show listed across podcast directories.

RSS FEED SETUP GUIDE — PODCAST BASICS

WHAT AN RSS FEED IS
Your podcast RSS feed is an XML file, generated automatically by your hosting platform, that lists your episodes with their audio file links, titles, descriptions, and publish dates. Podcast apps and directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) read this feed to display and update your show automatically when you publish a new episode.

SETUP STEPS
1. Choose a hosting platform (see distribution platform guide) — this generates your RSS feed
2. Complete your show-level metadata in the host dashboard:
   [ ] Show title
   [ ] Show description (used for search/discovery — include relevant keywords naturally)
   [ ] Show artwork (minimum 1400x1400px, ideally 3000x3000px, square, no transparency)
   [ ] Category and subcategory (choose the most accurate fit — affects discoverability)
   [ ] Explicit content flag (set accurately — mislabelling can affect distribution)
3. Copy your feed URL from the host (usually found under "RSS feed" or "distribution" settings)
4. Submit the feed URL to directories:
   [ ] Apple Podcasts Connect (podcastsconnect.apple.com)
   [ ] Spotify for Podcasters (podcasters.spotify.com)
   [ ] Amazon Music, Pocket Casts, and other directories as relevant
5. Verify episodes appear correctly across directories after each new upload

ONGOING MAINTENANCE
[ ] Keep show artwork and description updated if your format changes
[ ] Check your feed validates correctly if you ever migrate hosts (use a feed validator tool before switching)
[ ] Retain access to your original RSS feed URL — this is the core asset of your show; losing control of it can mean losing your subscriber history

TROUBLESHOOTING
[ ] Episode not showing in a directory: check feed validation, and allow 24-72 hours after submission/update
[ ] Old episodes missing after a host migration: confirm your new host imported your full back-catalogue before cancelling your previous host

Template 4: Sponsorship Disclosure Statement

Use this wording for verbal and written sponsorship disclosure that meets ASA CAP Code standards.

SPONSORSHIP DISCLOSURE STATEMENT — ASA CAP CODE COMPLIANCE

Episode: [TITLE/NUMBER] | Sponsor/advertiser: [NAME]

VERBAL DISCLOSURE (INCLUDE IN THE AUDIO, NEAR THE PROMOTION)
"This episode is sponsored by [SPONSOR NAME]." OR
"This part of the show is a paid partnership with [SPONSOR NAME]." OR
"[SPONSOR NAME] paid for this segment / gave us [PRODUCT/SERVICE] in exchange for this mention."

WRITTEN DISCLOSURE (INCLUDE IN SHOW NOTES / EPISODE DESCRIPTION)
"This episode contains a paid partnership with [SPONSOR NAME]. [SPONSOR NAME] [paid for / provided free products for] this mention. All opinions remain our own."

CHECKLIST FOR COMPLIANT DISCLOSURE
[ ] Disclosure is clear and prominent, not buried in fine print or only in a general "thanks to our sponsors" credit at the very end
[ ] Disclosure uses plain, unambiguous language (avoid vague terms like "partner" alone without explaining the commercial relationship)
[ ] Disclosure appears close to the promotional content itself, not only once at the start of a long episode
[ ] Free products/services received (not just cash payment) are also disclosed, as these are still a commercial relationship under the CAP Code
[ ] Affiliate links in show notes are labelled as affiliate/commission-earning links

WHAT TO AVOID
[ ] Presenting sponsored content as independent editorial opinion without disclosure
[ ] Disclosing only in written show notes when most listeners will never read them — always disclose verbally too
[ ] Using disclosure language so brief or jargon-heavy that an ordinary listener would not understand a commercial relationship exists

Reference: ASA/CAP Code rules on recognition of marketing communications and native advertising.

Template 5: Monetisation Options Table

Compare income routes to plan a realistic monetisation strategy for your show’s current stage.

MONETISATION OPTIONS TABLE — INDEPENDENT PODCASTING

Compare these routes to match your show's stage and audience size to a realistic income strategy.

| Option | How it works | Typical audience size needed | Effort to set up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct sponsorship deals | You pitch brands directly relevant to your audience | Works even at modest audience size if niche is well-matched | Medium-high (requires pitching/negotiating) | Best margins if you can sell direct rather than through a marketplace |
| Host ad marketplace (e.g. Acast) | Platform matches you with advertisers, inserts ads automatically | Often requires a meaningful download threshold | Low (mostly automated) | Revenue share taken by platform; less control over which ads run |
| Listener subscriptions (Patreon, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions) | Listeners pay directly for bonus content or ad-free episodes | Works with smaller, highly engaged audiences | Medium (requires ongoing bonus content) | Diversifies income away from advertiser dependency |
| Affiliate marketing | Earn commission promoting relevant products/services | Works at most audience sizes if relevant to niche | Low-medium | Must be disclosed per ASA CAP Code |
| Podcast as a marketing channel | Use the show to build reputation, driving freelance/speaking/course income elsewhere | Works even pre-monetisation | Low (indirect) | Often the most realistic early-stage return for journalists |
| Live events / audience meetups | Ticketed events tied to the show | Requires an engaged, geographically clustered audience | High | Works well for established shows with loyal listener bases |

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
[ ] Direct advertiser income for most independent shows takes 6-12+ months of consistent output to attract
[ ] Diversifying across 2-3 of the above is more resilient than relying on a single stream
[ ] Track your download numbers, listener demographics, and engagement (not just downloads) — advertisers care about audience fit, not just raw numbers

Primary sources

NUJ Broadcasting — guidance for broadcast and audio journalists
RAJAR — UK radio audience measurement (for context on the broadcast metrics you are moving away from)
Ofcom — radio broadcaster regulation, for boundary context with unregulated podcasting
ASA CAP Code, Section 2 — recognition of marketing communications and sponsorship disclosure

Frequently asked questions

Does Ofcom regulate independent podcasts the way it regulates UK radio?

No. Ofcom's Broadcasting Code applies to licensed radio and TV broadcasters, not to independent, on-demand podcasts distributed outside broadcast licensing. However, if your podcast is a spin-off or archive of licensed broadcast content, some obligations may carry over, and general law — defamation, contempt, data protection — still applies fully to podcasts. Sponsorship and advertising within podcasts are separately regulated by the ASA's CAP Code.

What are my sponsorship disclosure obligations for a podcast?

Under the ASA/CAP Code, paid promotions, sponsorships, and affiliate content in podcasts must be clearly and prominently disclosed to listeners, both in the audio itself (a verbal disclosure near the promotion) and typically in show notes. Vague disclosures like "thanks to our partners" without stating the commercial relationship are unlikely to meet the standard. Use the sponsorship disclosure statement in this pack as a starting point for compliant wording.

What is RAJAR and does it apply to podcasts?

RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research) measures UK radio listenership and is the industry standard for broadcast audience data. It does not directly measure podcast downloads or listens — podcast analytics instead come from your hosting platform (e.g. Acast, Buzzsprout) or aggregated industry measurement services. If you are moving from radio to podcasting, you will need a new set of audience metrics and should not assume RAJAR figures translate directly to podcast performance expectations.

Do I need an RSS feed if I distribute through a platform like Acast or Buzzsprout?

Yes — RSS is the underlying technology that makes a podcast a podcast rather than just an audio file. Hosting platforms generate and manage your RSS feed for you, and you submit that feed URL to podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others. Understanding your RSS feed setup matters because it is how your show gets discovered across platforms, and losing control of it (e.g. by choosing the wrong host) can complicate switching platforms later.

What are the realistic monetisation options for a UK journalist starting an independent podcast?

Common options include direct sponsorship deals with brands relevant to your audience, dynamic ad insertion through your hosting platform's ad marketplace, listener-supported subscriptions (e.g. Patreon, Apple Podcasts subscriptions), affiliate marketing, and using the podcast as a marketing channel for other paid work (speaking, freelance commissions, courses). Realistic early-stage income is often modest — the monetisation options table in this pack sets out the trade-offs of each route.