Ackerman joins to support the event’s commercial partnerships, UK market strategy and expansion plans
Friday 13th March 2026 | London, UK – The Podcast Show, the biggest international festival for the podcast industry, today announces that Steve Ackerman has joined its board as a Non-Executive Director.
Ackerman brings more than three decades of experience across audio, entertainment and digital content in the UK and US to the role. Most recently Executive Vice President and Head of Global Podcasts at Sony Music Entertainment, he led the company’s international podcast strategy from New York following Sony’s acquisition of Somethin’ Else in 2021. He also served on The Podcast Show’s International Industry Advisory Board for the past four years.
As The Podcast Show celebrates its fifth year, Ackerman will support the direction of the London event, working with the leadership team on commercial partnerships, UK market strategy and development of the show’s content. His appointment also marks further strategic expansion plans within the UK and globally.
Jason Carter, Co-Founder and Director, The Podcast Show, said: “I am both delighted and privileged to have Steve join the board as non-exec director. Steve has a truly first-class reputation across the industry internationally and a proven track record in building successful businesses. His leadership in the audio space, both in the US and now back in London, will be invaluable to the continued development of The Podcast Show.”
Steve Ackerman added: “The Podcast Show is the most important event in the podcast industry. I’m thrilled and honoured to be joining the board of the company to help drive growth and expansion, and to work with Jason Carter and the team to help take the show to even greater success both in the UK and other territories.”
The announcement is ahead of The Podcast Show 2026 (20-21 May) which is set to attract record attendance. Held at London’s Business Design Centre, the event will host over 6,000 visitors from over 60 countries, with partners including Acast, Audioboom, Amazon, BBC Studios, YouTube, Spotify, Bauer Media, Sony Music Entertainment, Patreon, PAVE Studios, Podimo, PodX, The Trade Desk and AdsWizz.
The first wave of speakers has already been announced, including Gary Lineker & Tony Pastor (Goalhanger), Will Pearson (iHeartPodcasts), Zoe Ball & Jo Whiley (Dig It podcast), Greg Glenday (Acast), Vicky Etchells (Global), Nish Kumar & Coco Khan (Pod Save the UK), Jamie Laing (Jampot Productions), Dinos Sofos (Persephonica) and Elis James & John Robins, with further names to follow.
Tickets for The Podcast Show 2026 are available at thepodcastshowlondon.com
Notes to Editor
About Steve Ackerman
Steve Ackerman is a media executive and entrepreneur with more than 30 years’ experience across audio, entertainment and online content in the UK and U.S. He was co-owner of Somethin’ Else, helping grow the company from a small audio studio into an award-winning multi-platform content business before its acquisition by Sony Music Entertainment in 2021. Following the acquisition, Ackerman led Sony Music’s Global Podcast Division from New York, overseeing international strategy, creative output and commercial growth. He began his career in radio as a presenter and producer, a background that continues to shape his focus on creativity, culture and commercial impact. Ackerman now works as a board director, advisor and consultant with companies across media, entertainment and the creator economy. He is a Fellow of the UK Radio Academy and has been repeatedly named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the “40 Most Powerful People in Podcasting.”
About The Podcast Show
The Podcast Show is a one-of-a-kind event brings together industry leaders, brands, and platforms alongside the most exciting emerging and established creators to celebrate, and help shape, the future of podcasting. The business festival takes place over two days in May, in London, UK. It is produced by AV Media & Events (AVME), a joint venture between SME London and GetOnMedia.
