Podcast Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how Towerblock Radio CIC produces, publishes and manages podcasts, ensuring quality, compliance and consistency.

Scope

This policy applies to all podcasts produced, hosted or distributed by or on behalf of Towerblock Radio CIC.

Definitions

• Podcast means an episodic audio series distributed online for on-demand listening.
• Podcast host means the person who presents or produces the podcast.
• RSS feed means the technology used to distribute podcast episodes to platforms.

Responsibilities

The board approves the podcast policy. The Programming Lead manages podcast production and distribution. Podcast hosts follow the policy.

Policy Statement

Towerblock Radio CIC produces podcasts that meet editorial, technical and legal standards, supporting the station's mission of documenting and promoting underground music culture.

Detailed Procedures

Approval

New podcasts must be approved by the Programming Lead. The proposal should include the concept, target audience, host, format and episode plan.

Editorial standards

• Podcasts must follow the Editorial Standards Policy.
• Content must be accurate, fair and not misleading.
• Content must not incite violence, hatred or discrimination.
• Strong language and adult content should be appropriate and flagged where necessary.

Copyright

• Music used in podcasts must be properly licensed.
• PRS and PPL broadcast licences may not cover podcast use. Additional licensing may be required.
• Where music licensing is not feasible, royalty-free or licensed music should be used.
• See the Copyright Compliance Policy for details.

Technical standards

• Audio quality should be clear and consistent.
• Episodes should be properly edited and mastered.
• Metadata (title, description, episode number) should be accurate and complete.

Distribution

• Podcasts are distributed via an RSS feed to podcast platforms.
• The RSS feed must be maintained and monitored.
• Episodes should be published on a consistent schedule.

Guest consent

• Guests should be informed that the conversation will be published as a podcast.
• Guests should consent to the publication of their contribution.
• Recording agreements should be documented where appropriate.

Data protection

• Personal data collected for podcast purposes (e.g. listener email addresses) must be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

Monetisation

• If podcasts are monetised (through sponsorship, advertising or subscription), this must be approved by the board and documented.
• Advertising must comply with the Editorial Standards Policy and not compromise editorial independence.

Reporting Process

The Programming Lead reports on podcast activity to the board annually.

Compliance Requirements

• Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
• Ofcom Broadcasting Code (where applicable to on-demand content).
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
• Equality Act 2010.

Monitoring

The Programming Lead monitors podcast performance and compliance.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed annually.

Version Number

Version 1.0

Approval Section

Approved by: Towerblock Radio CIC Board Date: July 2026 Next review: July 2027

Related Policies

• Editorial Standards Policy
• Copyright Compliance Policy
• Recording and Archive Policy
• Social Media Policy

Website URL slug

/policies/podcast-policy

Meta Title

Podcast Policy | Towerblock Radio

Meta Description

Towerblock Radio CIC's podcast policy covering approval, editorial standards, copyright, technical standards, distribution, guest consent and monetisation for podcasts.

Suggested menu category

Broadcasting

Suggested search keywords

podcast, podcast policy, RSS feed, editorial standards, copyright, guest consent, monetisation