The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association is the latest addition to the line-up for this month's UK Radio Production Conference.
Sally-Ann Wilson will talk about how British producers can get their programmes aired around the world.
The CBA represents programme makers and broadcasters in more than 50 independent Commonwealth states, so the Secretary-General’s attendance at the conference represents a major coup for organisers who are attempting to broaden the appeal of quality UK radio programmes globally.
It’s also been confirmed that the new Commissioning Editor for BBC World Service English Jeremy Skeet will be speaking at the event which will be held on March 22nd at the Lowry, Salford Quays opposite the multi-million pound MediaCityUK.
There will also be pre-recorded audio presentations from ABC Radio in Australia, CBC Radio in Canada and Radio New Zealand.
Conference founder Ashley Byrne says: "The focus of this year’s event is all about showcasing what great ‘built’ radio programming is being made in Britain and around the world and exploring opportunities to co-operate and collaborate to broaden its appeal internationally."
He added: "Radio listening is thriving so why shouldn’t more of our great documentaries, comedy and drama be turning up on stations in other parts of the world – and equally why shouldn’t we be hearing some of the fantastic programming that’s made in other countries too. It’s nothing new in TV but we don’t tend to shout and promote our successes in radio and this conference is about creating a dialogue that might just lead to a bigger and broader market for audio production."
As well as the international speakers at this month’s conference, the BBC will also set out the kind of independent programming it’s looking to finance from its radio Innovation Fund. Other sessions include a keynote speech from BBC Director of Audio and Music Tim Davie and a talk by Radio 1 and 1Xtra's new commissioning editor Piers Bradford.
Radio Today is sponsoring the event and will be providing coverage on the day. You can find out more about the conference programme and book tickets [link=http://www.eventelephant.com/rpin2011]here[/link].