Yspot, the unique and forward-thinking platform designed by two female entrepreneurs to revolutionise connectivity between youth and organisations, has partnered with the region’s leading creative and multimedia production hub, JBM Studio, to launch the first youth podcast incubator programme in the United Arab Emirates.
After an overwhelming response from the pilot programme which saw 28 students from GEMS Education and Zayed University dive into learning about the world of podcasting and production, Yspot is now open to receiving applications for the second series from youth aged between 16 and 25.
“The pilot series was a resounding success, and the students demonstrated a strong passion to engage in in-depth explorations of a wide range of topics,” says Deena Habib, CEO of Yspot.
Created to inspire youth in the UAE to harness the power of their voice and to provide access to a hands-on, educational multimedia experience, Yspot, and JBM Studio’s eight-week incubator programme has been designed to teach students everything about the podcasting world, from concept creation to how to present. Each week participants will be guided through in-depth modules that will teach them how to develop ideas, build story narratives, operate production technology and how to produce.
Deena Habib stated: “We are very proud to officially launch our immersive podcast programme and partner with JBM Studios, a platform that also supports emerging talent in the region and empowers young people to harness the power of their voice by creating meaningful content.”
Podcasts will be published on a number of top regional streaming platforms such as Anghami and Spotify
Benjamin Monie, Co-Founder and Director of JBM Studio said: “Partnering with Yspot to inspire and encourage youth in the UAE to explore their multimedia passion is a natural move for JBM Studio. After such a resounding success of the pilot series, we can’t wait to guide even more eager students through an immersive learning experience where we will share our 15-plus years of industry knowledge and open their minds to the exciting possibilities in the world of podcasting.”
The second series of the course will commence on 13 January 2023 and aspiring students are encouraged to apply by expressing their passion for podcasting through a letter or a short video. Interns will also have an exciting opportunity to be mentored and work alongside industry leaders and influential figures in the region. To further inspire the participants, the course will host incredible guest speakers such as the pilot series which welcomed Film Director and Creator of Freej, Mohammed Saeed Harib, comedian and media personality, Wonho Shung, and Managing Director of Grey Group, Philippe Berthelot.
Applicants who will be selected to take part in the second edition of the course will receive hands-on training from experts and sound engineers from JBM Studio and the top regional streaming platform, Anghami, and a wide range of renowned public figures. Youngsters will work collaboratively to produce their own podcasts, which will be published on Anghami’s platform at the end of the term.
The second series of the course will commence on 13 January 2023 and aspiring students are encouraged to apply
Nagham Kmeid, Podcast Executive, Anghami commented: “It’s a great pleasure and delight to be investing in the skills of the dynamic youth. In today’s world where podcasts are growing, running workshops to guide them on how to narrate powerful stories wherever they are is what our world needs now more than ever.”
Podcasting is fast becoming an integral part of mainstream media and has a youthful audience profile. An Amaeya Media survey on regional podcast consumption revealed that in response to growing demand, more people in the region listened to more podcasts, and podcast creators produced more regionally relevant, high-quality content since March 2020. Furthermore, 65% of respondents said that they found podcasts equally or more
credible than the traditional mediums of radio, newspaper, and television. The listener survey received 467 valid responses from participants in the Middle East, with 70% of respondents coming from the UAE and the median age being under the age of 25.