Podcast Production Training

BBC Media Action is an International NGO working in Ethiopia since 2001 as a registered charity with the Authority for Civil Society Organisations (ACSO). BBC Media Action uses media and communications for good informing, connecting and empowering people around the world.

This assignment is part of BBC Media Action’s BRAVE programme, funded by the European Commission.

Background

As podcasting grows globally as a flexible, low-cost, and accessible medium for storytelling, many local media organizations in Ethiopia are seeking to explore podcast formats as part of their content strategy. However, the capacity to develop compelling podcast concepts, structure engaging episodes, and apply effective storytelling approaches remains limited. This training aims to build foundational skills in podcast production focusing primarily on conceptual, narrative, and editorial dimensions, with complementary basic technical guidance.

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to equip selected local media practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to plan, design, and produce engaging podcasts. The training will emphasize theoretical and editorial components while also providing introductory technical orientation to enable participants to begin developing their own podcasts.

Objectives

The specific objectives are to:

• Introduce participants to the fundamentals of podcasting as a media format.
• Provide foundational knowledge of podcast set-up, basic equipment, recording principles, and production workflow.
• Strengthen participants’ skills in storytelling, audience engagement, narrative structuring, and content planning.
• Present different podcast formats and models (interview, narrative, documentary, roundtable, hybrid, etc.) and guide participants in selecting formats aligned with their editorial goals.
• Support participants to develop a draft podcast concept or pilot episode outline.

Scope of Work

The trainer will be responsible for delivering a structured training program, including:

Training Content

• Introduction to Podcasting
• Storytelling for Podcasts
• Podcast Formats & Models
• Episode Planning & Structure
• Engagement Techniques
• Basic Technical Orientation

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures
• Demonstrations
• Practice sessions in outlining and scripting
• Group discussions and peer feedback
• Case studies of successful podcasts
• Development of a draft pilot concept

Deliverables

The trainer is expected to produce:

• Training agenda and session plan
• Training materials
• Facilitation of training sessions
• Brief training report

Qualifications of the Trainer

• Proven experience in podcast production, audio storytelling, or radio content creation.
• Demonstrated expertise in narrative development, editorial planning, and content strategy.
• Experience training journalists or media practitioners.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts simply and interactively.
• Familiarity with low-cost or accessible podcasting tools preferred.