THE PODCAST CHALLENGE RULES

There are no rules about being brilliant. Just a few rules to keep things fair, safe and fun!

Who can take part?

Presenters must be aged 11–18.
Every team needs an adult Team Leader. An adult Team Leader must be appointed as our main point of contact. They are responsible for supervising the team, supporting participants and making sure the challenge rules are followed.
The young people creating and presenting the podcast must be aged 11–18. Guests can be any age, so you can bring in other voices and perspectives to make your podcast even more interesting

Making your podcast
Your podcast must be original.
Your podcast must be your team's own creation and must be researched, planned, recorded and produced within your 48-hour challenge window.

You choose the subject
Your podcast can be about anything that interests you. We want to hear your ideas and opinions, but make sure your content is fair, respectful and suitable for a young audience. If you're discussing different viewpoints, give them a fair hearing.
Keep it to 10 minutes. Your finished podcast must be no longer than 10 minutes, including its introduction and any closing credits.

Give your podcast a title
Every great podcast needs a name! Make sure you announce your podcast title at the beginning of your recording.
Include all the secret challenge elements. This is where things get interesting! Your podcast must include all the secret elements revealed when your challenge clock starts. Think creatively about how to weave them into your show without making them feel out of place.

Check your facts
If you use facts, figures, statistics or information from other sources, make sure they are accurate and name your sources. We want to hear your ideas, but it's important to get the facts right.
Keep the language appropriate. Swearing, discriminatory language, bullying, abusive or offensive content will not be accepted. Entries containing this material will not be validated.

Protect everyone's privacy
Do not include the surnames of children taking part, school names, home addresses, contact details or other personal information that could identify a young person. Think carefully about what you share in your recording.
Make sure everyone agrees to be recorded. Anyone who appears as a guest in your podcast must agree to being recorded. If a guest is under 18, their parent or guardian must give permission. Your Team Leader should make sure the necessary permissions are in place before recording.
Be careful with music and sound effects. Use your own music and sound effects, or material that you have permission to use or that is appropriately licensed. Don't assume that something you find online is free to use. Credit material where the licence requires it.

Use AI responsibly
You can use AI tools to help develop ideas or support your creative process, but the podcast must be driven by your team's own thinking, research and creativity. If you use substantial AI-generated material, including generated voices or audio, please declare this when you submit your entry.

Submitting your podcast
Watch the clock! Your finished podcast must be uploaded within 48 hours of your individual challenge clock starting. Late submissions will not be validated unless an extension has been agreed with Schools 48 Hour Media.
Submit in the correct format. Your podcast must be uploaded as an MP3 file and must meet the maximum file size specified by the submission portal.

Listen before you submit
Give your podcast a final listen. Check that the sound is clear, everyone can be heard and your secret elements are included. Make sure you're happy with your finished work before uploading it.

A final word

Most importantly, have fun! This is your opportunity to try something new, share your ideas, work together and discover what you can achieve.

You don't need expensive equipment or a professional recording studio. A phone, a microphone and a brilliant idea are a great place to start.

Be curious. Be creative. Find your voice. Amaze yourself!