Podcast PitchFest

Pandemic University and Canadaland have partnered on this two-part virtual event that gives audio journalists and producers, at all career levels, practical pitch training before selected applicants have an opportunity to pitch their projects and wow industry leaders

Presented by

Dates
Part 1: Pitching Workshop

Fri. Nov. 1 @ 5:45pm – 7:30pm Eastern

Part 2: Podcast PitchFest

Thu. Nov. 14 @ 12pm–5pm Eastern


Like speed dating for audio journalists and producers, Podcast PitchFest puts you in a virtual room with more than a dozen podcasting industry leaders and gatekeepers — including representatives from This American Life, Radiolab, CBC, Wondery, Radiotopia, Frequency Podcast Network and more.

Selected applicants will be provided with a handbook containing specific interests, mandates, and submission guidelines from the participating shows and networks. Participants will also receive pitching training on Friday, November 1 (5:45pm – 7:30pm EST) from Mia Lobel, veteran audio producer and the former VP of Content and Production at Pushkin Industries, who will teach you how to turn your idea or story into an effective, attention-grabbing podcast pitch that will make commissioning networks and shows take notice.

Then, on Thursday, November 14 (12pm – 5pm EST), it’s pitch time! Selected applicants will rotate through breakout rooms with executive producers and network reps, each giving you 25 minutes to wow them with stories or to simply learn more about what they’re specifically looking for from future pitches. Participants will also take part in a guided “greenroom” conversation in between pitching sessions with industry experts.

Interested the Nov. 1 workshop but can’t commit to PitchFest? Podcast Development & Pitching Workshop with Mia Lobel is open to all! Registration for this workshop is free, but donations are encouraged, with proceeds going to support Audio Flux, a home for independent audio, new voices, and innovative ideas in podcasting.


HOW TO APPLY TO PITCH AND SELECT YOUR MEETINGS:

Apply to participate in Podcast PitchFest by filling out the application form before October 21 at 9am Eastern.

Before applying, please be ready to provide the following information:

  • Professional bio 
  • Story/podcast/episode pitch
  • Selection of which producers/networks you would like to pitch
Participating Producers and Networks:
ELIGIBILITY
  • Podcast PitchFest is focused on narrative or reported podcasts that are journalistic in nature. We will accept pitches for new limited series as well as pitches for individual episodes, segments or stories. 
  • Pitches may include interview formats (eg: Short Cuts, On the Media, The Paul Wells Show) but not unstructured conversational shows (eg: Pod Save America, The Big Picture, My Favorite Murder). Other formats that are not accepted include: repurposed content, fiction, and monologue. If you’re unsure whether a concept is eligible, email us at pandemicuniversity@gmail.com.
  • The event is open to all English-speaking audio journalists globally, though priority will be given to Canadian residents, who will comprise at least half of the intake.
  • If selected, you’ll have a week to modify your preferred producer choices and pitches, allowing you time to refine your ideas for the most suitable outlets.
  • We’ll do our best to match you with your top choices, but in case a producer can’t meet with everyone, we’ll curate schedules based on producer needs.
  • There’s no cost to participate if selected, but due to the competitive nature of this event, we ask that all applicants confirm their availability for the virtual event on November 14, 12–5pm Eastern and ensure they have good quality video/audio streaming capabilities for a successful experience.
  • There will also be an orientation and pitching workshop led by an industry leader on November 1, 5:45pm–7:30pm Eastern, that we recommend you participate in. However, we’ll provide a video recording of the class for those unable to attend.
PRODUCER/NETWORK AVAILABILITY

When completing your application form, you will be asked to select the people whom you would like to pitch. In the event that somebody you selected has more meetings than they can accommodate, we’ll curate their schedule based on their network’s mandate or their immediate requests. We will do our best to schedule meetings for you with your top selections, but can’t guarantee it.

ABOUT OUR PARTNER

CanadaLabs is a hub for the next generation of audio journalists. Launched by Canadaland in early 2024, CanadaLabs includes an audio journalism fellowship program, a short audio competition and an ongoing series of workshops. These initiatives are opportunities for audio journalists and creators to learn valuable skills, build their networks, and get their stories in front of Canadians from coast to coast.


CanadaLabs is supported by:

Lead Workshop Sponsor: