UKPA and GCap PR
GCap Media, the name behind Capital Radio, Classic FM, and the XFM Networks, has become the first ‘traditional’ UK broadcaster to join the UK Podcasters Association (UKPA). Started in April 2006, the UKPA is a non-profit organisation set up to protect both members’ rights and promote podcasting.
UKPA Chairman Dean Whitbread pointed out that “this is a major endorsement of the UKPA’s work and status as the leading body to establish podcasters’ rights.”
Given that GCap media “produce more podcasts than any other media company in the UK” this is a huge step in podcasting, moving it away from the geeks in the bedroom image it had when it first appeared on the scene towards becoming an established and trusted medium for content, news and entertainment. GCap is one of the big names in UK radio and their support of podcasting, and the UKPA in particular, shows the respect that is building around the internet driven form of content.
“We create podcasts for our radio brands, our commercial clients and other third party customers, such as The Sun,” comments John Hirst, head of GCap’s podcasting arm, Creation. “It’s now part of our core business and content offering to consumers and commercial customers alike. We are delighted to join the UKPA as it’s a neutral body set-up to support all podcasters.”
The courting of a large media group such as GCap wil have taken many months, so congratulations to everyone involved for this hugely positive step. Now let’s see who follows them. - Ewan Spence, Blog Nation
GCap joins UK Podcasters
You may or may not know that GCap produces more podcasts than any other radio or media company in the UK, so it makes sense to add weight to the industry by joining the UK Podcasters’ Association. GCap is the first media company to join the 17-month old trade body, which represents about one third of UK podcasters. GCap podcasts its own shows from Xfm, Capital and Classic FM, but also produces podcasts for The Sun and other third-parties. (UKPA) - Jemima Kiss, Guardian
GCap Joins UK Podcasters Association Umbrella Body
GCap (LON:GCAP) has become a member of the UK Podcasters Association, an umbrella body advocating podcasters’ rights, in a sign Britain’s largest commercial radio operator is getting more serious about the downloadable audio medium (announcement). GCap stations already offer segments of shows for direct download, web-based catch-up or download as a podcast (like these at flagship station Capital). But the group also boasts an in-house podcast production and consulting team that caters for commercial clients like Woolworth, political parties and The Sun newspaper. GCap made its first podcasts for a Home Office internet safety campaign, promoted through the Hit40uk chart show, back in February 2006. This is interesting for GCap, which is setting aside an additional £2.1 million to upgrade its aging station websites with on-demand radio this year but which in June debuted the feature on Xfm.co.uk without having been licensed to offer full songs by musicians’ PPL royalties collection society. In joining the UKPA, it is allying itself with those who are already working on the same questions - the small association was founded last year to help amateur and semi-pro podcasters secure licenses to include commercial music in their productions. - Robert Andrews, Paid Content.
“…the small association was founded last year to help amateur and semi-pro podcasters secure licenses to include commercial music in their productions.”
This is not entirely correct. UKPA has a membership which is composed of a relatively high proportion of professionals. Only 15% of the independent podcasters in the UK are commercial, whereas over 35% of our members are professional. We perhaps more closely resemble the Musicians Union in make-up and in essence. Playing in local pubs or clubs doesn’t make you an amateur - and playing Wembley doesn’t mean you’re any more professional. - DW.
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