Podcast and audio companies will have their own business classification under the UK’s new SIC 2026 framework.
The change means podcasting and audio publishing will be formally recognised in the system used by government, lenders and support schemes to categorise businesses.
Until now, many companies in the sector have had to use broader classifications that did not reflect podcast production, publishing or other audio-led business models.
AudioUK, which played a key role in securing this change, says the new category, “Podcast and other audio publishing activities”, should help ensure the industry is measured more accurately and better understood across the wider economy.
The trade body worked with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Office for National Statistics and the BBC to secure the update.
AudioUK Chief Executive Chris Baughen said: “This is a major milestone for the UK podcast and audio industry.”
He said formal recognition would help validate the sector’s economic contribution and improve how audio businesses are represented across government and finance.
The SIC 2026 framework will be introduced in stages, with full adoption expected by 2031.