BBC News team engages UniMAC-IJ students on podcasting and the future of journalism

A team from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News has visited the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) to educate students on the growing significance of podcasting in modern journalism.

The event, held on Monday, 7 July 2025, brought together students, faculty, and media professionals to explore how podcasting is reshaping storytelling and content creation in today’s digital media landscape.

The BBC News delegation included Mr William Lee Adams, Ms Hannah Gelbert, Ms Verity, and Ms Jumoke Adebisi. They were joined by guest speakers Mr Kwadzo Afeku, Mr Percy Appiah, and Ms Seyram Afi Tsegah—seasoned podcasters who shared their insights and practical experiences with students.

In his opening remarks, Professor Etse Sikanku, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism, described podcasting as a vital part of the evolving media environment. He urged students to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn from industry leaders.

“Podcasting is no longer optional; it is essential. It is a medium that empowers journalists to own their narratives and connect with global audiences,” he said.

The podcast session, moderated by Ms Hannah Gelbert of the BBC, featured a lively exchange of ideas. Ms Seyram Afi Tsegah stressed the importance of research and fact-checking in podcast production, saying, “Credibility is everything. Your audience must trust that what you’re saying is true.”

Mr Kwadzo Afeku encouraged students to take initiative, stating: “You don’t need a perfect studio to begin. Start small. Collaborate with your colleagues, share stories that matter, and grow from there.”

Mr Percy Appiah also highlighted the accessibility of podcasting tools, noting that high-quality content creation is possible with basic technology: “The equipment should not hold you back. What matters is your story, your consistency, and your passion.”

The interactive session gave students a chance to ask questions, engage directly with the panellists, and demystify various elements of podcasting, from ideation to distribution.

The event formed part of a lecture on Journalism and Social Media, facilitated by Dr Martin Thompson Ntem, and was aimed at equipping students with practical knowledge about podcasting and citizen journalism.

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