What does a podcast producer do?

• Podcast producer: owns the overall vision, editorial strategy, content schedule, guest booking, and studio or recording direction. They make sure the show meets its business or audience goals.
• Podcast editor: owns post-production: cleaning audio levels, cutting dead air, structuring multi-camera video edits, sound design and delivering final exports.

Leaner shows often hire a hybrid producer-editor (a "preditor"), while mid-size and large shows separate the roles so the producer can focus on story development and growth.

• Editorial and storytelling: asking the right prep questions, structuring episode arcs, and spotting clip-worthy moments mid-recording.
• Project management: coordinating guest calendars, release schedules, show notes and distribution channels without delays.
• Technical and visual literacy: understanding multi-mic setups, lighting, camera framing and remote recording software (for example Riverside, Descript or Frame.io) so raw media is broadcast-ready.

Pricing depends on whether you're paying for ad-hoc consultation, studio production days or per-episode deliverables.

Hourly rates (ad-hoc advice, strategy or light audio edits)

• Junior producer or audio editor: £25–£40 an hour
• Mid-weight producer: £45–£75 an hour
• Senior or executive producer: £75–£120+ an hour

Day rates (studio shoots, recording days or intensive strategy, based on an 8-hour day)

• Junior or assistant producer: £200–£300 a day
• Mid-weight podcast producer: £300–£450 a day
• Senior or executive producer (broadcast or commercial): £500–£750+ a day

Per-episode packages (typical for ongoing shows)

• Standard audio-only episode (edit, mix and publish): £150–£350 per episode
• Full video podcast episode (multi-cam, audio, show notes and social clips): £400–£1,000+ per episode

Listen to or watch a full 30 to 60-minute episode they produced, not just a polished 60-second teaser. During your review, evaluate:

1. Guest engagement and flow: does the conversation feel natural and tight, or sluggish and unguided?
2. Audio and video quality: are guest audio levels balanced, and are multi-camera cuts synced cleanly to speech?
3. Role clarity: ask precisely what part of the episode they owned. Did they research the guest, direct the shoot, cut the audio or write the show notes?

• Freelance or project-based: best for launching a pilot, producing a limited branded series of 6 to 10 episodes, or covering temporary leave.
• In-house or permanent: essential for weekly, always-on shows or networks with multiple titles. An internal producer builds audience insight, streamlines guest booking and lowers the long-term cost per episode.

• In a studio or on location: yes. If you record in a physical studio, a producer with hands-on console, camera and lighting knowledge removes the need for a separate technical engineer.
• Remote recording: if your guests join online (for example through Riverside or SquadCast), editorial judgement, pre-interview prep and remote file troubleshooting matter far more than hardware experience.

Generic job boards bring high volumes of unverified applicants. Wildrness gives you access to pre-screened audio and video producers, each with a Folio showing their work and experience. You can also post your role for free on our Jobs page.

Direct booking for a freelance producer or audio editor can take 48 to 72 hours. For permanent or full-series executive roles, expect a 7 to 10-day window to review shortlists, evaluate past show work and align on rates.

Yes. Many UK producers work entirely remotely, handling guest research, remote recording sessions, edit management and RSS feed distribution. For physical studio shoots, producers can be hired locally or travel in on recording days.