Audiences never stand still. And neither do we.
Audiences are at the heart of the 2026 Audio Academy Festival. MD Aradhna Tayal Leach opened the Festival with a call to action to the audio industry: we are the ones who must decide how audio changes as we head into the AI revolution. She asked, “where do we want to be next year and how will we get there? Audiences are changing and so are we.”
But this evolution in the dawn of technological innovation is nothing new. From the first radio broadcast over a hundred years ago to the web entering our homes, and from the launch of more and more specialist music, community and other radio stations to the creation of podcasts and audiobooks, the audio industry has continually changed and met listeners in new spaces. We moved with them from the days of an audience sitting in front of us at a music hall to sitting in their own homes or anywhere. They now choose not just what they listen to, but how and when.
And they are listening: 93% of UK adults tune into audio every week.
Last year saw the birth of the very first of Gen Beta: the first generation to grow up AI-native. “We are in the middle of the AI revolution,” Leach remarked, citing her very personal connection with the revolution and Gen Beta, with the birth of her own daughter in 2025.
“It is exciting,” she said, “It is scary. Jobs will go, jobs will be created, and roles will change.”
Audiences will change. But how audio will change is up to us.
Over 43 years, the Audio Academy exists to promote and celebrate excellence in audio, by supporting everyone who works in audio. We are part of the change. As the audio industry decides what’s next, the Audio Academy is here to support, every step of the way.
How can the Audio Academy best support you and your vision? What can we do to pave the way for the next generation of listeners? How can we amplify, develop and promote audio?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and ask you to tell us just one thing:
What’s one thing the Audio Academy should do in the next 12 months?
One Thing
We would love to hear what ‘One Thing’ the Audio Academy could do in the next 12 months that would have a positive impact on you and your career. If you have a brilliant idea, please share it below!