Industry ready - Solent invests in new podcast studio

More than 15million people listen to podcasts in the UK, making it one of the fastest growing entertainment platforms. Committed to ensuring students have the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving tech-focused world, Solent University has built a cutting-edge podcast studio as part of a suite of existing industry-standard facilities.

The investment was spearheaded by Lecturer in Media Production, Paul Stevens. “Audio production students watch podcasts as much as listen to them,” he says. “This new upgrade is going to have a huge impact on the curriculum, and we’re all itching to get in there!”

The new studio is equipped with three PTZOptics cameras and a Blackmagic Atem switcher which enables students to mix the podcast as it’s being recorded and speeds up the editing process. The installation of state-of-the-art cameras allow students to capture high-quality video of their podcast alongside audio without the need for additional equipment. Technician Instructor in Audio Production, Steve Middleton, says:

“This is a great addition to the radio studios. Over the past year, I have been involved in a handful of projects with a crew setting up cameras and lighting, and this will save so much preparation time, allowing students to record videocasts with ease.

“We’ve already started using the studio and have booked in numerous projects – it's going to be a busy start to the term with many students and staff making full use of this great facility.”

The studio comes right in time for the launch of Solent’s BA (Hons) Journalism and Content Creation degree – a brand-new course which has been created in response to the changing nature of media in the twenty-first century. Deputy Dean of the School of Creative Industries (Education), Will Cope, says:

"Setting up a video podcasting studio was really important for us as we respond to how media is changing. It gives students a space to get creative, work together, and build real-world skills using industry standard professional kit.

“For us it's about making sure our students are comfortable practising their skills, and this high-end space means they will be able to do that time and again."